File:Look Left, Look Right? Look Wrong.jpg

English: Waiting for the lights to change in Dowsett Road near the junction with High Road Tottenham.

In 2012, local resident Christine Protz complained to Haringey Council about the LOOK LEFT sign painted on the street. Although fading, it is still misleading and potentially dangerous. Chris wants the Council to remove it.

Dowsett Road is a two-way street. So at this junction pedestrians need to look all round. They need to look right for vehicles turning into Dowsett Road from Tottenham High Road; and to the left for traffic in the opposite direction. (Scroll Down to see a street plan.)

Below, I've quoted from Chris's email with her permission.

This sign should be removed completely because it is misleading and half the time it is hidden by a puddle or the muddy residue left by the puddle. You were lucky to get a clear picture. So there is no point putting something on the road, but I do feel there is a need for some signage.

Chris noticed that northbound vehicles in the High Road turn into Dowsett Road when there is a break in the traffic or the lights are with them. So they often turn when pedestrians think it's safe to cross. Southbound vehicles are not allowed to turn left into Dowsett Road. But some do.

Chris explained her main worry.

"As you noted, people are very sensible and look right and left, and those of us used to it look all ways. I am more worried about children who are not so street savvy." "I don't know what sort of signage would work best. I wonder, though, whether there should be something for the traffic alerting vehicles to the possibility of pedestrians crossing? Usually it is okay because they have already stopped and can see pedestrians, but there are always some coming along and taking advantage of a space in the traffic.

______________________________________ § Aerial view of where these photos were taken.

§ Click the link to see the correct signs painted round the corner in Tottenham High Road.