THE EDITOR, Madam:
I WRITE to highlight some instances of the improper use of our many pedestrian crossings, some of which are very much illegal and are not placed in the right places.
On several occasions, I have seen where pedestrians walk down a road and on to the pedestrian crossing without stopping to see if vehicles are approaching. This, is not a smart thing to do. There are also those people who cross above or below, instead of on, the pedestrian crossing. This too can be very dangerous.
Some of these pedestrian crossings are placed illegally (without permission from the Ministry of Transport and Works) by members of communities who most times, innocently, are just trying to do some good. The most dangerous of these are the ones that are placed near corners and slopes and without the proper signs to make motorists aware of their existence.
I therefore implore fellow motorists to be extremely cautious as these inconspicuous pedestrian crossings can lead to loss of lives.
And in the same breath to advise the Ministry of Transport and Works or the KSAC to expeditiously educate pedestrians and the general public of the proper use of the pedestrian crossings and also of the procedures involved in having one erected.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL N. BROWN
49 Lyndale Avenue
Kingston 20
E-mail:
newman94@hotmail.com