It is no secret that most motorists are fed up of being intimated by windscreen washers.
They have become a hazard not only to themselves but to the majority of motorists on the Modderfontein intersection.
The problem is not just in Greenstone because there are windscreen washers at most of the intersections in Johannesburg. They frequent intersections with heavy traffic and many are adolescents. The NEWS has received many complaints from motorists with regards to windscreen washers in recent months.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar was contacted by the NEWS earlier this year to find out what can be done to resolve this issue after one reader sent a letter. Chief Supt Minaar then said the issue of windscreen washers is a big problem because windscreen washing is treated as a “B crime” and thus not regarded as a serious offence.
“When the windscreen washers are arrested, they are taken to the the police station where they are given a fine or warning,” he told the NEWS at the time.
When the NEWS spoke to Chief Supt Minnaar last week he reiterated his comment from earlier this year, and also urged motorists not to support windscreen washers by giving them money.
Meanwhile, residents have taken it upon themselves to deal with this matter.
Residents of Greenstone and frequent visitors of Greenstone Shopping Centre and surrounding areas have issued a petition to help deal with the problem.
Ward 32 councillor, Clr Bongani Nkomo said the petition is not just to remove the windscreen washers from the intersection but to also help find homes and all the necessary help they need.
“We understand that some of them are at the intersection for different reasons and that is why we have decided to invite the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Department of Social Development to come on board and assist with relocating the windscreen washers. We would like the JMPD to work with social development and find homes for those who don’t have a place to go and suitable care in cases where there is substance abuse,” said Clr Nkomo.
Clr Nkomo said the situation cannot be left as it is at the moment because motorists are forced to interact with the growing population of windscreen washers on a daily basis.
“In many cases, windscreen washers show disregard for people’s property and are aggressive when they are engaged. Residents fear for their safety and they don’t feel like enough is being done by authorities to resolve the issue. That is why we decided to come up with options,” said Clr Nkomo.
He said the petition will be sent to the JMPD once they have reached 1 000 signatures.
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