Road use is a two-way street (except here)
The situation in Dalrymple Street, Northmead, has been described as chaotic and frustrating.
The street is home to three educational institutions, Benoni High School, Hoërskool Hans Moore and the Ekurhuleni East College Benoni Campus.
To accommodate these schools, the street becomes a one-way, headed toward Fourteenth Avenue, from 7am to 8am and from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
There are two signs at the junction with Fourteenth Avenue and two more halfway down the street, indicating these changes, but many people complain about the traffic situation during these times.
“Drivers do indeed ignore the signs (there are two on display) and turn into the road,” said Sharon Stevens, a motorist who uses the street.
“This has resulted in two accidents that I have witnessed, and a few road rage incidents.
“I have also nearly been involved in an accident due to a young woman trying to turn into the road during the one-way hours, which led to her and her mother screaming at me when, in fact, they were in the wrong.”
The college situated along the street, the Ekurhuleni East College Benoni Campus, was asked about the problem.
“I think people take chances there, much more than in the past, although there are signs indicating that the street becomes a one-way,” said Dr Johan Groenewald, deputy principal of the college.
“With two schools and our college, if one motorist goes upstream it becomes an issue.”
Ertjies Hattingh, principal of Hoërskool Hans Moore, said he and Benoni High School coordinate to separate closing times in the afternoons by about 15 minutes, to alleviate the traffic problem in Dalrymple.
“It is a nightmare, especially in the mornings,” said Eugene Rooyakkers, acting vice-principal of Benoni High School.
“There have been the odd crashes and accidents, so it’s a big problem.
“I can’t say whether or not the EMPD has ever monitored the situation here.
“We have asked for the metro to police the street, it might work as a deterrent, but for how long?”
The EMPD was approached regarding the matter and conducted an investigation.
“The investigation has revealed that the signs are not conspicuous enough, which could be the contributing factor to the alleged transgressions by some parents/motorists,” said Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson.
“A request has been made to the Road Works Department to provide clearly visible signs to eradicate the problem.
“The situation will be monitored by the EMPD until the department puts up a clearly visible sign.”
With three of the four signs slightly faded and not clearly visible, the general consensus is that the replacement of these signs will go a long way towards solving the problem.
What are your thoughts on the issue?
Send your comments to erikd@caxton.co.za.
