Pedestrians should think twice before jaywalking in downtown L.A. — or they could walk away with a $191 fine.
During the busy holiday shopping season, the Los Angeles Police Department is ramping up a zero-tolerance policy for jaywalkers downtown, particularly the Historic Core area, as part of an effort to reduce accidents and prevent crime, officials said.
A citation won’t be cheap, now costing $191.
“This is about more than reducing accidents during the holidays,” said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. “This is about preventing thefts and robberies. Jaywalking is often done by thieves, purse snatchers and robbery suspects to target their victims.”
Vernon said such criminals often suddenly see a potential target and run across the road mid-block. To be better able to spot such suspects, the department wants to deter law-abiding citizens from such behavior, he said.
“We will be watching; that is the message we want to get out there,” Vernon said. Authorities said officers will paying particular attention to Spring and Main streets.
Read moreLAPD Charges Jaywalkers With $191 Fine In New Crackdown