Montreal police have launched a pilot project to raise awareness of the rules of the road for pedestrians and cyclists.
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At the corner of Robert-Bourassa and René-Lévesque boulevards, officers handed out fines of roughly $50 to people who walked through the stoplight.
The twist? People fined can opt to take a 90 minute class and have the fine waived.
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Montreal police are planning to hold four interventions throughout the summer at busy intersections in the hopes of reminding walkers and cyclists of their responsibilities.
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Fifteen pedestrians and two cyclists died last year as a result of traffic accidents, according to Montreal police inspector Vincent Richer.
The pilot program is modelled on a similar initiative in Longueuil, in the south shore, where police said people often didn’t know why they were getting a ticket.
Richer explained only people fined as part of the pilot project will be eligible for the class; others either have to contest their fines in court or pay them.
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The classes are held at Place Dupuis and are free of charge.
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