Motorists turn on to Wellington Drive in Liguanea. Wellington Glade residents are asking the authorities to erect a stop light and pedestrian crossing at this active accident zone. - Photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

What's not working?

The intersection at Munroe Road and Wellington Drive in Liguanea is a disaster waiting to happen. Residents of Wellington Glade told our news team that there is hardly a week that passes without an accident taking place at the junction.

Fearing a fatal incident, residents are calling for the installation of traffic signals and pedestrian markers.

Synopsis of situation

Clive Harris, a security guard at Wellington Glade apartments, said in the seven months that he has been working at the post, he has witnessed some 10 accidents, a few of which were serious.

"The last accident I witnessed was two weeks ago when a National Water Commission truck hit a car that was coming across from Munroe Road and on to Wellington Drive, and I'm sure had there been a stop light regulating the flow of traffic, that would have been avoided," he said.

"I remember a close-call incident once where a motorist had to ride the sidewalk in order to avoid hitting a lady who was attempting to cross the street, so there is a definite need to better regulate the traffic flow in the area.

"I don't think we should wait for a life to be taken before the issue is seriously looked at," Harris added.

Similar comments were made by Tessa Chang, Wellington Glade resident. Chang said in her 10 years in the community, she has seen countless accidents from the frequent - from fender benders to smash-ups. Getting across the intersection is often dangerous, whether by wheels or heels, she argued.

Silvia James, another Wellington Glade resident, said the authority's installation of traffic signals and/or pedestrian markers would be the ultimate solution to the crash hazard. Not only that, but it may also save lives.

Who's responsible?

National Works Agency (NWA).

A motorist makes his way across Wellington Drive, heading towards the intersection at Munroe Road.

What's the status?

Colin Morrison, communication manager at the NWA, told our news team that the intersection at Wellington Drive and Munroe Road is among a number of select locations to be addressed by his agency, during its current drive to signalise select junctions across the island.

However, he was unable to say when the work would begin.

Conclusion

Although a timeline was not given for the signalising of the Wellington Drive/Munroe Road intersection, it is good to hear that plans are in the pipeline to tame the overactive accident zone.

Let's just hope that the process does not require a fatal accident to kick it into operational mode. In the meantime, we advise motorists and pedestrians alike to proceed with caution.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., P.O. Box 40, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.