MORE than 20 Orange pedestrians and drivers were caught and fined by police in a surprise sting in school zones and at the traffic light pedestrian crossing outside the post office on Wednesday.
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Yesterday morning and again yesterday afternoon in school zones several drivers were fined $319 and lost points from their licence by stopping in bus bays or pulling up or parking in no parking zones.
As part of Operation Compliance police say it was the blatant disregard for road rules by pedestrians at the crossing outside the post office in front of police that surprised them most.
“We issued eight infringement notices in the space of 40 minutes,” Acting Sergeant Adam Cornish said.
“That was despite having two police vehicles parked nearby and police clearly visible in their uniforms,” he said.
One witness said a male defied police by walking against the lights during the no walk sign and walked up to a police officer.
“I wish you could die,” the man told the officer.
Although police would not confirm the threat, Sergeant Cornish said people don’t realise the implications of breaking the law.
The pedestrians were issued with on-the-spot fines of $71.
“Unfortunately they are putting their lives and the lives of others at risk,” Sergeant Cornish said.
Police issued three fines for illegally parking in school zones, one for stopping in a bus zone, six for disobeying no parking or stopping signs and three drivers were fined for not wearing seatbelts after being caught in school zones.
Sergeant Cornish said police recognise pedestrians not obeying crossing rules is an issue across Orange.
“But we decided to concentrate our efforts in Summer Street as it is a problem,” he said.
Police said the operation was due to conclude at midnight last night.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au