As Jamaicans prepare to observe National Labour Day tomorrow May 23, the National Works Agency (NWA) is reminding persons that no pedestrian crossing or other road markings should be undertaken, along the main roads, without the expressed consent or input of the Agency. Pedestrian crossings are important road markings that help to manage how pedestrians interact with traffic and there are guidelines that regulate installations of such markings to reduce pedestrian injury or fatalities
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, says that for a pedestrian crossing to take legal effect, it must first be approved and gazetted. He says there are legal dimensions that must be adhered to, including the colour of these pedestrian crossings which must be white, as well as the installation of the appropriate signage in the vicinity of the crossing. The dimensions and further instructions can be accessed under the Services tab on the NWA’s Website at www.nwa.gov.jm.
Mr. Shaw says that failure to follow the guidelines can result in crossings being placed in dangerous locations; as well as reduce the likelihood of an appropriate legal remedy should there be an accident at the location.
He further states that persons who wish to carry out projects along the island’s main roads are being encouraged to engage the NWA’s technical team, in their respective parishes, for assistance and advice.
