As Jamaicans prepare to observe National Labour Day, 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. This reminder is in light of numerous requests received by the NWA from various entities wishing to undertake this type of activity on Labour Day.
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. The dimensions and further instructions can be accessed on the NWA’s Website at www.nwa.gov.jm.
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.
Mr. Shaw further states that persons who wish to carry out projects along the main roads are being encouraged to engage the NWA’s technical team, in their respective parishes, for assistance and advice.
In the meantime, the NWA will this Labour Day be engaging in projects in several areas across the island, in an effort to improve safety along selected roads. These Labour Day activities will include the painting of kerbs, the repainting of pedestrian crossings, the bushing of verges, drain cleaning and sidewalk repairs.
These projects are being funded by the Road Maintenance Fund at a cumulative cost of $21.5 million.
