Speeding motorists have little regard for frequent special operations by officers from Ekurhuleni’s Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
On any given day that operations are conducted, an average of 21 motorists are caught speeding on the notorious stretch of road.
Spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said these numbers indicate there are still a number of risk-takers using Terrace Road.
“Motorists who speed are not properly prepared to conduct themselves responsibly on our roads,” Supt Kgasago said.
For the months of April, May and June a total of 342 motorists were caught speeding in Terrace Road.
The highest speeds reached in the 60km/h zone were 90km/h and over.
“Motorists must not forget that if one goes beyond the speed limit by over 30km/h in built-up or residential areas marked as 60km/h zones, they will be arrested on the spot or summonsed to appear before a magistrate to explain their actions,” Supt Kgasago said.
A magistrate can issue a guilty driver with a fine ranging from R4 000 to R8 000.
Worse still, a first time offender can have his or her driver’s licence suspended for six months.
As a repeat offender, a driver’s licence can be suspended for two years and as a third time offender, licence suspensions can last for five years.
On Wednesday, six motorists caught speeding in Terrace Road were forced to face the consequences.
During the special operation the highest speed recorded on the road was by a 29-year-old male driver of a Toyota mini bus who claimed he was rushing to the taxi rank.
Two other motorists were caught doing 97km/h.
The first was a 28-year-old male Toyota mini bus driver who said he was rushing to drop off passengers and the other was a 35-year-old male in a Daewoo sedan who claimed he was late for work.
The three other drivers arrested were clocked doing speeds between 92km/h and 96km/h including a 21-year-old female.
The six arrested were released on bail of between R500 and R1 000 and will appear in the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of reckless and negligent driving.
13 other motorists received fines for skipping red traffic lights while 29 fines were issued for motorists crossing or driving over barrier lines.
“Motorists who think that Terrace Road is a raceway are warned to abide by the rules of the road. EMPD will show no mercy to whoever is found exceeding the speed limit,” Supt Kgasago, said.
He confirmed that EMPD holds frequent operations on Terrace Road following the fatal April 5 accident which claimed the lives of Wesley Simpson, Tamlyn Lewis, Slade Matthews and Angelia Maree.
From April 9 to April 30, 97 motorists were fined for exceeding the speed limit.
In May, 174 speeding motorists were caught and in June the number dropped to 61.
“Operations focused on speeding in Terrace Road will be conducted periodically to ensure the safety of all road users,” Supt Kgasago said.
In addition to frequent operations, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has, since the fatal accident, adjusted the timing plans for traffic signals on Terrace Road.
The municipality has also introduced cantilever traffic signals to make traffic lights more visible.
“Council has also initiated traffic signal warrant investigations at the intersection of Main and Terrace roads. At present it seems traffic signals are not warranted at this intersection. The final report is, however, awaited,” spokesperson for the EMM, Mr Samuel Modiba said.
He added that from a roads perspective there are no real options currently available to address the concerns.
“The only meaningful solution is increased law enforcement as well as a plea to motorist to obey the rules of the road,” Mr Modiba said.
