iviehoff wrote:I do not think it is safe / logical / sensible for a pedestrian to demand priority over a vehicle which is already turning into the road the pedestrian wishes to cross, and make it screech to a halt. It may additionally cause an accident between the turning vehicle and innocent third parties if the turning vehicle has to screech to a halt part way through the manoevre.
I think we're all agreed about vehicles not turning into pedestrians who are already crossing the road and pedestrians not endangering themselves/others by stepping in front of a vehicle which is already mid turn.
The question is which has priority if both are approaching the junction at the same time? If the pedestrian has not left the kerb and the vehicle has not yet started turning which should expect to give way? Personally, when driving I have always treated the pavement as I would a cycle lane, the forward moving traffic (albeit on foot) having priority over any traffic crossing its path.
The difference in language used when dealing with different types of traffic travelling the same journey is always interesting. Vehicles continue past side roads and are cut up by turning vehicles, the turning vehicle driver not having looked properly. Pedestrians cross side roads and step out in front of turning vehicles, the pedestrian not having looked properly.