EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
MOTOR TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (NO. 2) 1958.

No. 15 of 1958

	This Ordinance provides the authority for school crossings to be installed on the roads in the immediate vicinity of schools in Canberra.  The crossings are made up of two elements, parallel lines marked on the road surface and flags or light movable signs, which are displayed on or near the road where the lines are marked.

	When the flags or signs are exhibited, a motorist approaching a crossing must drive so that he can stop before reaching it.  He is prohibited from driving upon the crossing if any pedestrian is upon it; he must stop and wait until the crossing is free from pedestrians.  This is a greater duty than that placed on motorists driving on pedestrian crossings, but it has been so framed because the crossings are intended for the protection of children whereas the prime purpose of a pedestrian crossing is to allow pedestrians an opportunity to cross busy roads.  The reference in the section is to pedestrians.  This has been done in order to clear any doubt as to whether a person could or could not be classed as a child, and to cover a teacher in charge of the children.