Lakefield Avenue has been a problem for the last 35 to 40 years for Terry Kupferman, chairperson of the Benoni Lake Club.
Although it has been a problem for this long for Terry, people who live in the area, members of the Lake Club as well as other businesses are also starting to feel the frustrations.
“We have had this pedestrian crossing going from one side of the Lake Club to the other for years. People know it’s there and yet they are driving at 100km/h down this road,” said Kupferman.
“As a club, we have tried to contact the council about it and all we are met with are excuses. We have asked for traffic lights, speed bumps, ripples, anything that can help make people use the road at a slower pace. We have had way too many incidents of bumper bashings and youngsters being hit by the cars, one of which actually died after being hit under the bridge. It’s becoming too much now.”
Terry has received many complaints from members regarding incidents that have occurred.
Anonymous one wrote:
“I have been a member at Benoni Lake golf club for about 18 years and have had some fairly close calls when crossing the road. I have also been witness to many close calls. I have learnt through experience that you must not cross the road until the cars are at a complete stop.
“In my opinion, it’s just a matter of time before a tragedy occurs at that crossing. Something definitely has to be done to minimise the risks.”
Anonymous two wrote:
“I write this letter of concern to bring to your attention the concerns on the traffic measures on Lakefield Avenue. On numerous occasions, there have been countless safety breaches from motorists speeding on this road and not paying attention to the clear zebra crossing for pedestrians.
“Two concerns, one, the speeding motorists that are in this single lane road where there is now a shopping centre and golf enthusiasts. Two, for the safety of other motorists. The risk is seen as imminent and high.
“Should no mitigating action be taken by any law enforcement, I am saddened that it will result in a fatality. We as the concerned do not feel the need to wait for a fatality to occur before taking action; therefore, heed this call to you to strongly consider the above.”
Anonymous three wrote:
“September 14. Car bashing at the zebra crossing. A silver car stopped to let golfers cross the road, cars continued to drive in the opposite direction. A bakkie with a trailer didn’t notice the still car at the zebra crossing even though she had her hazard lights on and swerved last minute, ramping the pavement to avoid hitting her.
“At this stage, a tyre on the bakkie had blown. The passenger in the bakkie hit his arm which seemed to be dislocated or broken from the force of hitting the passenger door. The club security, ambulance and EMPD were called to the scene.”
Many members, businesses and people who live in the area have complained about almost being run over at the crossing numerous times, whether that be from people overtaking cars that have stopped or people not paying attention and having to swerve into the yellow line to avoid hitting stopped cars.
A petition has been started at the Lake Club to have traffic lights or speed bumps installed, while Clr Mary Goby just finished having a meeting with Council where it has been decided that the painted yield lines will be moved back from the crossing.
But the people, members and businesses want more as moving the yield painted lines are not going to stop those from speeding.
Fazel Behra, owner of Le Kreamery (across Lakefield Avenue), said, “Undoubtedly it’s a busy road. I agree that a few speed bumps should be placed after the robot going towards the golfer pedestrian. Being a resident of Lakefield, it took many years to finally get the robots that are currently installed, so hopefully, the speed bumps would be a good traffic-calming measure.”
Goby is still in talks with the council regarding what traffic-calming measure will be placed and when, as she has also agreed that the moving of the yield signs back is a great start but won’t help much in terms of calming the traffic flow.
The City Times awaits comment from the council.
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