Our light system causing anxiety

Dear Editor: It is evident that a huge amount of work is going into the flooding situation, already having cost taxpayers $500,000. Also, certain construction in the City is going on at Front Street, right in the middle across the street from one another. Thanks for that.

However, many in Penticton have complained about something to me, which I’ve experienced myself. That is the changes to the crosswalk light system causing anxiety and almost near accidents.

You see, for years now, when one takes driving lessons, one is taught that when the white hand at the crosswalk light is not showing, it is their time to make their turn.

So, now with the new operation of the crosswalk lights, if one counts to five the white hand is not up and the crosswalk light box starts with numbers 17 down to zero. As stated, it is obvious by driver action that this makes drivers think that they can now drive through the crosswalk. I know because I’ve almost been hit a number of times on my daily walking within downtown Penticton.

Either the drivers need to be re-trained, given notice in mail, instructed on Global News or in some way make it so pedestrians do not have to be concerned when crossing at a lighted crosswalk.

Lastly, apparently 65 officers have been stated as being at City Hall. However, they are not in service all the time and this causes confusion and more troubles for Penticton residents. Please do something to have those officers more available or put out a public advertisement listing City Hall officers and when they are at their offices to serve us. Sheryl Ann Wilson Penticton