KINGSTON, Jamaica – As Jamaicans prepare to observe Labour Day tomorrow May 23, the National Works Agency (NWA) is reminding that pedestrian crossings and other road markings should not be undertaken along the main roads without the consent of the Agency.

In a statement today the NWA cautioned that pedestrian crossings are important road markings that help to manage interaction with vehicular traffic and there are specific guidelines that regulate installations of such markings to reduce pedestrian injury or fatalities.NWA Manager of Communication and Customer Services, Stephen Shaw, said that for a pedestrian crossing to take legal effect, it must first be approved and gazetted. He said that there are legal dimensions that must be adhered to, including the colour of these crossings, which must be white, as well as the installation of the appropriate signage in the vicinity of the crossing. The dimensions and further instructions can be accessed under the services tab on the NWA’s Website at www.nwa.gov.jm, Shaw said.He added that failure to follow the guidelines can result in crossings being placed in dangerous locations; as well as reducing the likelihood of an appropriate legal remedy should there be an accident at the location.Shaw emphasised that people who wish to carry out projects along the island’s main roads are encouraged to engage the NWA’s technical team in their respective parishes for assistance and advice.