Police warning after car fails to stop for child on Christchurch road crossing

Police are reminding drivers to take care after a near ‘catastrophic event’ at a Christchurch intersection.

In a video posted to Facebook by Canterbury Police, a child can be seen waiting to cross a busy road with their parents.

As the pedestrian light turns green, the child steps out to begin crossing the road at the Heaton St and Strowan Rd corner.

An oncoming vehicle, failing to stop at a red arrow for turning right, narrowly misses the child, thanks to a parent calling from the footpath for them to come back.

Police said it “could have been a catastrophic event” with “horrific consequences” had the child not been called back by their parent.

“We urge road users to take extreme care at intersections, especially during school drop off, and pick up times, and make sure you are reading the lights and road signage correctly.

“Police would also like to speak with the driver of the grey SUV in this video that has failed to remain stationary on a red arrow.

“If you have any information on the vehicle or its driver, please get in touch using our 105 line, quoting file number 250822/4470.

“We also encourage the community to report any dangerous driving by calling 111 if it is happening now, or through 105 if it is after the fact.”