There has been a lot of roadworks throughout Redbridge recently. The community is very grateful and thankful to these public services that help increase our road safety and improve our journeys on the road. However, it is apparent that it causes many inconveniences to many people who wish to reach places on time. It is the bane of drivers due to the disruptions it causes.

They are often the cause of traffic as impromptu traffic lights are suddenly placed onto the roads when there is work being done on the roads. Their sudden appearances often annoy drivers as they were not present before and they did not expect it to be now. Therefore, unexpectedly increasing their travel time and making them late. It is unfortunate how it causes delays because many drivers are caught in the traffic caused by those impromptu traffic lights that stay red for a long time.

“I have to drop my son off to school every weekday and he can’t be late. He has already been late several times because of these roadworks and now he is on his last warning. He has to wake up before six o’clock so that he can go to school on time, which is absolutely crazy for an eight year old to do,” explained Sandra Harris. She was particularly distressed about her situation.

Samuel Rivera gave a similar complaint: “I understand that this is supposed to benefit us eventually, but I have to get to work on time. These roadworks are disrupting our lives in that sense. I have been late to work three times this week because of it.”

“I am a very active person. I have lots of clubs and extra-curricular activities and a tight schedule. There are a lot of places I need to go to on time and that is near impossible with all of these roadworks,” said Charlotte Gibson.

“I am supposed to go to a library to volunteer after school twice a week for my Duke of Edinburgh. My mother usually drives me there because it is very far from our house. Even before the roadworks started, I always had very little time to get there, but now I have next to no time at all. I am always late because of it. It makes me look bad,” complained Tony Patal.

“It is just so frustrating to be late every time for something and have no control over it,” confessed another annoyed individual.

While the duration of all roadworks usually cannot be guaranteed, it is important to remain patient and mindful of its benefits. These disruptions will not remain permanantly. The duration of all these roadworks would only be interrupted by external influences. They could be because of outside agencies, bad weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

It is extremely important to understand that these roadworks are being carried out for many good, beneficial reasons. They could be to straighten out some curvy roads, smooth out the bumpy tarmac or asphalt, or to upgrade or repair water pipes. These are all more than adequate reasons as they are to improve our modern environment, safety and comfortability while driving.

By Pranami Doshi,

GGSK College