Since the installation of the new traffic lights on the corner of Harper and Concorde roads along with the Riley Road bridge the number of motorists raising objections to them has increased.
City of Ekurhuleni commented that the traffic lights were in response to requests from the community and ward councillor and that no objections were received.
Bedfordview resident Jessica le Roux, has been affected by the new traffic lights on Boeing Road in Bedfordview.
Most mornings Le Roux is stuck in traffic that begins at the Spar petrol station on Boeing Road East.
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“I have never experienced traffic like now. Before these traffic lights, there was minimal traffic,” said Le Roux.
She said on her way home from Concorde East to the gym she experiences more traffic issues.
“I go towards the Linksfield side, where I need to turn left before the bridge, but now I sit for 15 minutes in traffic before I come near to turning left. Not only is there traffic, now there are reports of smash-and-grab incidents too,” said Le Roux.
Many other residents have taken to social media to express their frustrations with the majority being against the installation of the traffic lights.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said based on requests received from the community, several initial studies were conducted on the Harper Road Bridge network.
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“Service providers were appointed and they considered all possibilities for improved traffic control and flow mechanisms.
“After everything was considered, the recommended option was for the implementation of three traffic signals as the preferred solution that will address the road safety concerns,” said Gadebe.
He said that the project was identified through the IDP (Integrated Development Planning) public consultation process.
Gadebe added that proposals were also presented to the ward committee and no objections were received.
“The recommended solution from the analysis was the implementation of three traffic signals. The implementation of traffic circles is still planned for Riley Road. It is foreseen that implementation will start this financial year with completion in future financial years,” said Gadebe.
Gadebe said that the city expects a safer road network with improved traffic controls once the traffic lights and circles are fully installed in the area and surrounds.
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“The installations will be monitored and the timing plans will be done once new traffic patterns have stabilised,” said Gadebe.
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said that with the approval process of the traffic lights, she has requested a safer and more efficient traffic flow configuration for the whole intersection.
She said that she has made a request for traffic circles.
“After many years of debate, the department decided traffic circles were not safe and that traffic lights were the only option.
“My position does not allow me to instruct professionals in our departments on technical decisions. My request to our department remains what it has always been – a safer and more efficient intersection,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys added that the present arrangement needs serious reassessment.
