Crossing Half-Way Tree Road, from the National Commercial Bank to York Pharmacy, poses serious danger to pedestrians.

What's not working?

Crossing Half-Way Tree Road, from the National Commercial Bank branch to York Pharmacy, is hard and risky work. There is never a single point in time when the traffic signals coordinating the 'smooth' flow of traffic in the area allow for the safe and comfortable crossing of pedestrians.

Synopsis of situation:

Crossing the intersection is a dance with danger. Pedestrians sometimes hurl expletives at motorists, demanding that they be allowed to cross, and the motorist may return the 'favour', arguing that they should obey the traffic signals.

The light directing the flow of traffic off Hope Road and on to Half-Way Tree Road is the root of the problem. The signal green-lights motorists turning left from Hope Road on to Half-Way Tree Road at the same time that the pedestrian walk signal gives them the go-ahead to cross. Hence, pedestrians are left to the kindness of motorists, or their own fleet-footedness, to grant them safe passage.

Marlene, a vendor who operates in the vicinity, blamed the confusing signals for an accident leading up to the Christmas season where a female pedestrian was hit down trying to cross the trouble spot. Luckily, according to the vendor, the incident was not fatal, and the motorist was kind enough to take the shaken-up pedestrian to the hospital.

The Half-Way Tree police said they, too, had received several complaints about the situation. Constable D. Campbell of the Traffic Division said a number of persons had voiced concern about the situation, and recommended that the authorities should consider programming a pause on all signals when the pedestrian signals indicate 'walk'. The pause, he said, should be a minute or more in duration, allowing for safe crossing.

Who's responsible?

The National Works Agency (NWA).

What's the status?

Attempts to contact the communication officers at the NWA were unsuccessful and no response to the messages left was received. However, a representative at the agency told Tyrone's Watch that the NWA was aware of the situation.

Conclusion:

The problem is real and it needs to be addressed. So, let's get to it and not wait for the worst-case scenario.

- Marlon Vickerman

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., 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.

Brisk-walking pedestrians block a motorist at a crossing on Half-Way Tree Road, St. Andrew. - PHOTOS BY Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer