UPD Step Up Enforcement Of Sidewalk Law

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Some figures coming from the Utica Police Department shows an increase in the number of tickets being issued to people walking in the roadway. So far, 111 tickets have been issued this year. Last year, a total of 308 tickets were handed out.

UPD Sgt. Steve Hauck says the number of violations issued signifies an increase in enforcement. He adds, the issue is a very serious one that poses a threat to both pedestrians and drivers. "It's dangerous you know, just a few weeks ago we had a gentleman that was hit and killed on James Street, part of that investigation is that he was in the roadway. It's a dangerous situation and we've really stepped up, in the past couple of years, really stepped up our enforcement of it," he said.

He said UPD receives numerous complaints from the public about people walking in the roadway and obstructing traffic. He says drivers are then forced to drive around these errant pedestrians and risk striking cars traveling in the opposite direction. Officials are reminding pedestrians to use the side walks where they are provided. Violators risk an automatic $50 fine, in addition to court surcharges and other fees.