Chatham Police Warn Pedestrians With Pink 'Tickets'

Chatham Police have begun handing out warnings to pedestrians who cross roads unsafely, Chief Philip J. Crosson Jr. said.

Traffic safety is a priority for the department and authorities recently have targeted drivers who didn't yield to pedestrians, or who were texting and driving.

But the department also has received comments and complaints about pedestrian violations, the chief said.

"We have to talk about it in its entirety. We can't just go after motorists," he said at Monday's Borough Council meeting. He said it's an educational campaign and said the department does not want to create a "police state" in Chatham Borough.

The text on the warning is below.

This is a courtesy warning from the Chatham Borough Police Department. We have been receiving complaints from pedestrians and drivers regarding motor vehicle operators failing to stop for pedestrians. To address this, we have increased our enforcement targeting those specific violations.

We have reviewed these complaints and have determined that in many cases, pedestrians are often themselves sin violation of the New Jersey State Statutes that address pedestrian actions when crossing roadways. As a courtesy, we have listed the applicable statutes on the back of this document for your review.

Our goal is to improve safety for everyone walking and driving in Chatham Borough. Int he future, please cross at a marked crosswalk, utilize and obey the pedestrian signals as provided and ensure that the driver has had an opportunity to see you and stop before you enter into the lane of travel. Where provided, use sidewalks, and, if you walk in the street, walk facing the approaching traffic.

Remember, your safety is as important to us as it is to you, please walk responsibly as we must all share the roadways.