Martyn Williams says what he's caught on camera is just the average experience for anyone who walks around Halifax

A Halifax pedestrian is taking to social media to post videos showing a number of close calls he's had around HRM.

The videos posted to the HRM Safe Streets for Everyone Facebook page show turning vehicles passing dangerously close to him at signalized intersections, and sometimes blocking crosswalks while stopped red lights.

Martyn Williams says what he has caught on camera is just the average experience for anyone who walks around Halifax.

"Drivers pass very close by pedestrians, I would say within 2 to 3 metres usually, which is too close," he tells NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show. "It's illegal obviously and it's uncomfortable for the pedestrian to be passed, often just right behind you."

Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Cst. John MacLeod tells HalifaxToday.ca drivers can be charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk even it they don't strike someone.

"In general a driver who is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk is expected to let the pedestrian clear the roadway before proceeding," he says in an emailed statement. "Or in the case of divided roadways, allow the pedestrian to make it to a place of safety."

When Williams records his videos, he uses a camera which he holds in front of his stomach, so he's not able to see what he's captured until after he's crossed.

"I don't see where my camera is directed so sometimes I don't get the shot I want," he explains. "Obviously it's very dangerous to look at a device while you're using one of these crosswalks."

He thinks there's one simple and inexpensive way to improve pedestrian safety in the municipality.

When the lights change at an intersection, Williams would like to see all of them stay red for about 20 seconds to give pedestrians a chance to safely cross before cars are allowed to proceed.

"Drivers get confused. They've a green light so they think it's their turn, and they forget perhaps that pedestrians are also crossing."

He's brought his concerns to the municipality, and he believes officials are listening, but he'd like to start seeing some action.

"They're not acting quickly enough. This is an issue that needs addressing."