Covid-19 lockdown week two: mostly essential services spotted on local roads

On day 12 of the 21-day lockdown I got out of bed with the excitement of being on the road since complying with the lockdown.

My first stop was the Bedfordview Police Station on Van Buuren Avenue.

I quickly noticed that the once lively restaurant precinct filled with residents dining outside and a parking area filled with vehicles was now filled with only my own vehicle.

I was delighted to see an essential service worker cleaning the roads as I made my way to Bedfordview SAPS.

I then ventured to Harper Road Bridge and Boeing Road Bridge, and I recalled writing an article about the installation of new traffic lights which resulted in heavy traffic for motorists.

Now the once traffic-ridden intersection was empty.

Also read: Covid-19 lockdown: journo ventures into Edenvale, Bedfordview during lockdown

Ready to leave, I heard the sounds of a truck and saw it was waste removal collectors. I went closer and saw these essential workers hard at work removing waste from bins down Harper Road and into Concorde Road.

I then took a look at the Gillooly’s Intersection, an intersection known for dreadful traffic at all times of the day. It was calm – much like an easy Sunday afternoon drive.

My next stop was Modderfontein, just off the P91, at Stoneridge Drive and Van Riebeeck Avenue.

This area seemed busier as there are shopping centres on both sides of the roads.

I noticed pedestrians crossing the road with essential groceries, which reminded me of times before the lockdown.

I then drove down Van Riebeeck Avenue into Edenvale and stopped at the corner of Ninth Street, where the Edenvale Licensing Centre is situated.

I have used this centre before. The only person in sight was a security guard. A change from the hustle and bustle of residents droning into the premises to get their licensing documents.

Van Riebeeck Avenue was by far the quietest area I have seen on my journey.

It resembled a ghost town, with one or two vehicles driving through.

Our communities seem to comply with lockdown regulations as we look forward to the conclusion of the lockdown.

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