KINGSTON, Jamaicaq (JIS) — 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, said it is the responsibility of the works agency to scientifically map out the locations for the placement of crossings.Lindsay, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank today, 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 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,” she added.There are legal requirements and specifications to be followed when painting pedestrian crossings. The police should also be notified with regards to any activity that involves working on the road and is likely to affect the free flow of traffic.It is, therefore, very important to notify the NWA in order to prevent the painting of crossings at unsafe and unauthorised locations.Meanwhile, Dr Lindsay pointed out that it is not too late for community groups to register their Labour Day projects. She said registration is important so that the activities can be supported by the municipal corporations.Labour Day 2017 is being observed on May 23 under the theme ‘Restore, Preserve and Beautify’. 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.