The D.C. Council has approved a bill increasing the fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk to $250, making it clear that city leaders won't tolerate the pedestrian-vehicle crashes that have claimed 11 lives so far this year.

Most pedestrians in the District can recall a close call with a vehicle.

"I was going across 17th with the light and a car came around the other way and cut me off," recalled Kevin McGovern, who's skeptical about the plan. "Will the fines stop people? Well, the ones they catch."

Last year, 25 D.C. pedestrians were struck and killed by motorists, the worst figure for the District in a decade.

ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 set up a camera at one intersection, capturing several vehicles ignoring pedestrians' right-of-way.

"I think they show no respect for pedestrians. They should stop," said Delphine Vanbelleghem, a tourist.

The D.C. Council unanimously approved the bill last week in an effort to increase pedestrian safety. Under the new law, those who do not yield to pedestrians face a $250 penalty and three license points. That's up from the current $50 fine for such violations.

Motorists who collide with pedestrians in a crosswalk or intersection would receive a $500 fine and get six license points. In the city's point system, drivers who get 10 points lose their license for 90 days.

Tonya Small knows better than most how crucial it is for motorists to be aware and cautious of pedestrians in the street. Her 4-year-old son Daniel was struck down and killed in April of 2006 by a driver who has never been caught.

"I've seen a lot of young people ride through red lights, stop signs," she said.

Money from the fines would help pay for pedestrian safety programs.