Metro cops run down jaywalkers

A warning for pedestrians along tracks

06:18 PM CST on Friday, December 12, 2003

By Nancy Holland / 11 News

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As Metro makes test runs to make sure the trains and traffic signals are coordinated, another kind of signal is sounding – a stop signal for people making turns, crossing against lights or crossing in the middle of streets along the rail’s path.

KHOU-TV Metro Police have been educating downtown pedestrians through tickets and warnings.

Some people are getting what could be called a safety lecture in the median. Signs warning to cross only with the pedestrian lights have been up for weeks.

"Well, I wouldn't say there's been resistance,” says Metro Police Capt. Tim Kelly. “It's been slow for acceptance."

Starting this week, Metro Police have been directing more attention to people crossing without the graphic glow of permission.

Police downtown have never been really tough on enforcement of jaywalking downtown. But people who work here say the word is now getting around. In fact, it seems to be quite a topic of conversation.

KHOU-TV Officers hope to break the jaywalking habit before the light rail trains start to run.

Pedestrian Carl Manning says he’s heard about jaywalking tickets "all around town. And we've been telling other people, too."

So far, Metro says, much of what its officers have done amounts to education and warnings. But some people are getting tickets and officers say they’ll write even more citations to those who ignore the signs.

"He said it could be anywhere from $1 to $200," said Tamla Wilson, a downtown pedestrian. "I asked him, too. I said, 'Are you giving us a warning?' He said, ‘No, I don't give warnings.’"

"Not that you can trust the walk or don't walk signals to begin with,” noted pedestrian Ashley Bacon.

"It's the first ticket that won't affect my insurance,” said Jennifer Lambert, a downtown worker laughing at her encounter with the law.

Metro insists it is a matter of safety and education. The trains are quiet, but officers say they want the warnings to be loud enough so that nobody gets hurt.