Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings Near Bridgetown Schools in St. Michael: Insights and Suggestions for Improvement

While many pedestrian crossings near Bridgetown schools and the surrounding areas in St Michael are in good working order, there is still room for improvement.

That is according to some road users in those particular areas. Near Harrison College, located along Roebuck Street and Crumpton Street, there is a visible crossing near the front entrance but motorist Carl Forde pointed out one small issue.

“The signage is good but there is only one. They should have another on the other side, there is plenty room to put it. The paint is not faded, it looks like it was recently done so anybody should be able to see it but they should have another sign,” he said.

Concerns were also raised about the crossing outside St Mary’s Primary School in Mason Hall Street, The City. While the area is visible when near, a man, who requested anonymity, said more could be done to improve it.

“How would you know that is a crossing when you’re driving up there? They need better signage saying ‘children crossing’ from way down the road. Plus that ain’t paint for a long time, it needs repainting,” he said.

Another man, who gave his name as “Junior” said drivers generally respected the crossing though some public service vehicles tended to speed through.

“Normally a warden does be there but after school hours some people come through fast. There’s never been an accident there in the 20 years I’ve been here but you never know,” he said.

Along King’s Street, near Wesley Hall Infants and Junior Schools, the signage and crossing are clear to the eye.

Gale Herbert said there was only one thing which bothered her.

“The only problem is that when people are dropping off their children, they block the crossing. But you can see it clearly and drivers take their time,” she said, adding Ministry of Transport and Works personnel repainted it regularly.

A man, who was not identified, said his issue was not with the crossing but with people placing their garbage by the “No Dumping” sign nearby. He said it often carried an odour which was not appropriate so near to a school with young children.

The DAILY NATION also visited the crossing used by students of the St Leonard’s Boys’ School that is completed with signs and lights making it extremely visible, much like the one outside Westbury Primary School.

At the crossing outside The St Michael School there are buttons for the crossing public to press in order to stop traffic.

The crossings near St Stephen’s Primary School in Black Rock, St Michael and Deacons Primary School in Deacons, St Michael are also in good condition. (CA)