The dangerous habit of jaywalking was a major problem on Belfast city centre streets in the 60s, as can be seen clearly in this UTV report from 1967. Intrepid roving reporter Charlie Witherspoon can be seen interviewing the jaywalkers in the moment of their law breaking, in each case asking them if they believe in higher fines for the offence before pointing out to them that they themselves have just been guilty of it. As expected, there is a wide range of opinion, ranging from the apologetic to those defending their right to walk across a street whenever they want – and everything in between, including one very fatalistic elderly lady.
The interviews take place first of all at the junction of Donegall Square North and Chichester Street before moving to the junction of Ann Street and Victoria Street. As well as Charlie’s confronting of the jaywalkers themselves, the report is notable for its driving shots through the Cornmarket and Ann Street areas, in an era before the roads there were pedestrianised.