NWA approval needed to paint pedestrian crossings for Labour Day
COMMUNITY GROUPS planning to paint pedestrian crossings for Labour Day are being urged to check with the National Works Agency (NWA) before embarking on such projects.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Dr Janice Lindsay says it is the responsibility of the works agency to scientifically map out the locations for the placement of crossings.
Lindsay said concerns were raised last year about the numerous pedestrian crossings painted by residents in their communities, most of which were incorrectly placed.
“It is very important that we don’t just get up and decide where. That’s not how it works. It is the NWA that guides us as to where the pedestrian crossings are to be placed, and so we would encourage our communities to undertake the appropriate dialogue,” she said. “Don’t take it upon yourself to drop a pedestrian crossing in front of Maas Joe’s shop because you think that’s where it should be. It is very important that we take a structured approach and lessen any kind of chaos that is likely to take place.”
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Labour Day 2017 is being observed on May 23 under the theme ‘Restore, Preserve and Beautify’. There are legal requirements and specifications to be followed when painting pedestrian crossings. The police should also be notified regarding any activity that involves working on the road and its effect on the free flow of traffic. It is very important to notify the NWA in order to prevent the painting of crossings at unsafe and unauthorised locations. It is not too late for community groups to register their Labour Day projects. Registration is important so that the activities can be supported by the municipal corporations. Projects can be registered at the Labour Day Secretariat, 4-6 Trafalgar Road Kingston 6; email: labourday@ mcges.gov.jm; or call 978-7654 ext. 5144.