HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is pondering a delay in implementing a controversial pedestrian fine for jaywalking included in legislation passed last fall.
The change would boost the fine for jaywalking to nearly $700 from $410 — more than the penalty for using a cellphone behind the wheel.
Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says the fine portion of the legislation hasn't been proclaimed yet because it may be reviewed ahead of the release of a road safety strategy in June.
Critics have called the fine "disproportionate and counterproductive."
MacLellan says the strategy will include a review of all road safety fines, but he wouldn't say whether that means the jaywalking fine will ultimately be reduced.
Last fall, MacLellan said raising the pedestrian fine to a level equivalent with the highest fine for drivers sends the message that road safety is a shared responsibility.
