Source cbc

Forget political scandals, Ottawa's finest cracking down on jaywalkers

Published: Thursday, March 6, 2008 | 5:01 PM ET

Canadian Press: THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA - Parliament Hill may be abuzz with talk of bribery and criminal leaks, but a mere block away, police have bigger fish to fry.

While the U.S. capital is perennially ranked among America's leading murder cities, the centre of Canadian political life is overrun with jaywalkers.

Yes, jaywalkers.

Mayor Larry O'Brien - himself the subject of a criminal investigation - has ordered a crackdown on those villains who cross against red lights.

Officers were out in force on the Sparks Street pedestrian mall at lunch hour Thursday ticketing illegal street-crossers to the tune of $75 a pop.

That's $50 for violating the province's Highway Traffic Act and another $25 for the city for crossing a roadway "when prohibited."

Well, I guess this is nothing compared to the $225 ticket?

I guess they were low on money? Good way to do a fund raiser.

Lol all the problems in the world and they have to pick on jaywalkers. What is the world coming to.

They are horrible criminals. Jaywalking is a gateway crime.

As long as they keep it in Ottawa, and don't bring it West, I'm fine with this (those rich government workers oughta pay more).

Sometimes the cops at my university give out ticket after ticket for jaywalking. Its really annoying when there are murderers and rapists out there.

Tickets? I'd give those folks a high five for taking the street back for pedestrians.

Haha. Jaywalking is illegal here in New Orleans, but nobody gives a crap. Hell, just look at Mardi Gras. The streets are flooded with people.