The initiative is punishable, and this should be remembered whenever we have a strong desire to help someone, do a good deed or achieve justice. The story that recently happened to a resident of the UK is another confirmation of this.
Lorry Phillips from Christchurch, England, has been fined after he drew road markings near his home.
Earlier, the 78-year-old pensioner repeatedly applied to the city administration with a request to install a pedestrian crossing, as he and his sick wife regularly experienced difficulties when crossing a busy section of the road. Without waiting for an answer, he took the initiative into his own hands.
To do this, he had to get up at 5 in the morning, so that in a few hours, together with two comrades, he would draw a “zebra” and a “maximum speed limit” sign on the road.
Residents of the area immediately appreciated Lorrie’s act: now the elderly and pedestrians with children could safely cross the street, along which about 5000 cars pass daily. But their happiness lasted only four days.
After the police arrived at the scene, the employees erased the zebra, and Lorry Philips was accused of illegal activities and issued a fine of 130 pounds (about 13 rubles). The pensioner called the police investigation a “waste of time” that only gave him and his wife “extra stress”, and admitted that the only thing he wanted was the safety of pedestrians.
“In a letter, I warned our administration that I would draw the zebra myself if they did nothing, but I did not receive a response. I spent about two hours at work. It would seem that the authorities should have approved such concern for the well-being of their city and the safety of residents and guests, the pensioner argues. “According to the law on equality, adopted in 2010, their primary task is to take into account the interests of people with disabilities and create all conditions for their comfortable life.” The marking lasted four days, but it helped, he says, and notes that the road has become much calmer.
After that, the man created a petition about the need for a pedestrian crossing on this stretch of road, and 100 residents of the area have already signed it. A representative of local authorities recently said that the official request will be considered without fail.
Sometimes our desire to do a good deed is so great that we are ready to go to even the most daring deeds, just to achieve our goal and restore justice at least for a while. Where, where, but in the homeland of the legendary Robin Hood, they understand this perfectly. I would like to believe that efforts are not always in vain and that in this particular case the authorities of the city of Christchurch will not leave the pensioner’s request unnoticed and will fulfill their main duties – they will provide residents with safety and comfort.