Well it is now December. Traffic through town is increasing exponentially as people head off on their holidays and still there is no resolution of Braidwood's lack of pedestrian crossing.

The current hold up is with the design, accreditation and installation of compliant lighting before zebra stripes can be painted on, and the ‘landscaping’ installed. 

It is a major safety issue for children crossing the road. It is fast becoming a serious traffic issue as there are no breaks for traffic crossing the main street. Both cars and foot traffic are confused with who has priority. Traffic is jammed up in Wallace Street as people try and find a spot in the reduced parking areas, and causing further 'rat running' through the side streets. This has gone on too long. It's time for all parties - Council, RMS, Essential Energy and contractors to get the job done. 

All that is needed is the former pedestrian crossing stripes to be reinstated, as they had been for many years without any major accidents. 

In this case, as it was with the barney with the RMS over the poplar avenues, what the residents are asking for is the simplest (and cheapest) option. Yet once again the powers that be are seeking an overly complicated solution.

Do we really need extra lights shining 24 hours on the crossing? I pity our main street residents. 

The lingering failure to resolve the situation by all parties concerned is frustrating residents and visitors. I fail to understand how this project was started, without a fully resolved plan. Council would not let your average ratepayer get away with an incomplete DA.

It's time for residents to show you care about this issue. Show us ‘your stripes’ as a public demonstration of your support. I propose that residents and businesses put out some zebra stripes in your shop windows, your cars, or hanging from your balconies. If you're really keen you can wear something zebra striped. Let's cover the town in black and white and at the very least raise awareness of this issue. 

Mr Barilaro, this paper ran the headline 'Barilaro earns his stripes', when the second crossing was approved. Now is the time for you to pick up the phone and resolve this matter before the busiest month – January. 

Alex Rea