Many Greenstone collisions are attributed to speeding
It is important to note that traffic calming measures can lead to damage and increased maintenance costs.
Johannesburg Roads Association has stated that the number of collisions occurring along Greenstone Place is a result of motorists speeding.
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This comes after JRA engineers conducted an investigation after staff at Regal Distributors SA, a company located near the corner, raised concerns over the number of collisions occurring on the road.
According to the company, in recent years six vehicles were involved in collisions near the corner.
In light of this, calls for traffic calming measures are being made before a fatality occurs.
Bertha Peters-Scheepers, spokesperson for the JRA, explained that the horizontal geometry of the road cannot be changed.
She said there is a warning W207 sharp curve sign on Greenstone Place on the approach to the bend. This is meant to warn drivers to reduce their speed.
“Additional safety measures of guardrails are installed where it is physically feasible.”
She said JMPD can assist by addressing speeding motorists in line with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act.
Addressing the community’s calls for greater traffic calming measures, Peters-Scheepers said JRA’s traffic engineering department supports the implementation of additional warning signs.
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She said these would be in the form of W405 sharp curve chevron warning signs to provide additional warning to road users that the roadway ahead is diverted to the right or left through a sudden change of direction around a sharp curve.
“As an additional safety measure, in line with the CoJ policy on traffic calming, the department will approve the installation of speed humps along Greenstone Place provided it is supported by a signed petition from all the affected property owners along the road and it is placed in a position that meets the minimum requirements for visibility distance to a warning sign for the speed limit (60m on the approaches to the sign).”
Peters-Scheepers said it is important to note that traffic calming measures can lead to damage and increased maintenance costs, increased noise as a result of vehicles decelerating and accelerating and negatively affecting emergency vehicles.
She said they should only be considered along local access roads where it is geometrically feasible and is supported by the affected stakeholders.
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“A service request will be generated for the depot to install the additional sharp curve chevron signs and once we receive the petition, the department will prepare the required drawings associated with the installation of traffic calming measures,” said Peters-Scheepers.
Peters-Scheepers highlighted that there is a limited capital budget provision is available for the implementation of traffic calming measures identified through petitions.
She said funding is prioritised for traffic calming measures surrounding schools and other community facilities.
“Should sufficient funding not be available to implement the project during the current financial year, the project will be placed on a priority list for implementation during the upcoming financial year/s,” said Peters-Scheepers.
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