Looking back at November 11, 1994
Illawarra jaywalkers were on notice they would be fined during a two-week police blitz.
The crackdown was also happening in Sydney and Newcastle and was part of the recently launched campaign "Think Before You Cross".
Read more: Wollongong CBD traffic a problem in 1950
Those caught crossing on a "don't walk" signal or within 20 metres of a marked crossing will be hit with a $38 fine.
Police were targeting pedestrian blackspots to try and reduce the rising number of accidents.
"A lot of people just cross the road anywhere they want and don't believe they will get hit or are doing something dangerous," said acting Illawarra District Traffic Co-ordinator Sergeant Dave King.
"Even if a police officer is standing nearby in a uniform, pedestrians will still jaywalk."
While jaywalking could happen at any sets of traffic lights, Sgt King said it was worse at those intersections with plenty of people - because it made it more likely some of them would be impatient and try to cross early.
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Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
