Metro says ‘no’ to Benoni Lake Club’s request for traffic lights

The Ekurhuleni metro said no traffic signals can be installed at the crossing near the Benoni Lake Club on Lakefield Avenue.

This follows the club’s recent request to have traffic-calming measures installed there to reduce accidents on this stretch of road.

Benoni City Times published their concerns in the issue dated May 31, in which club management said they’ve witnessed many vehicle accidents on this road and have tried to secure a traffic calming measure at the pedestrian crossing for years with the council.

According to metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, a pedestrian traffic signal at a golf course is not warranted, as per the South African Roads Traffic Signs Manual.

Also Read: Club ‘teed’ off with speeding drivers

“If the city were to install unwarranted traffic signals for the greater convenience of golf players, this would establish an unacceptable precedent. Thereafter, every crèche, sports ground, gym, school, shopping centre and filling station in Ekurhuleni will be entitled to expect the same.’

He added that the municipality had installed speed limit signs on Lakefield Avenue and marked the pedestrian crossings.

“The purpose of traffic calming measures (speed humps) is to reduce the ‘rat running’ of traffic through residential streets and not to reduce speed because speeding and irresponsible driver behaviour are law enforcement issues. Speeding on public roads can only be controlled by the EMPD.

“Hein Botha, responsible for speed law enforcement in the EMPD, may be contacted on 011 999 4560,” said Dlamini.

He said the department will continue maintaining the road markings and traffic signs to ensure road safety is not compromised.

Benoni Lake Club marshal Karli Basson (21) survived a serious accident two weeks ago after a taxi collided with her golf cart on Lakefield Avenue.

Also Read: Lack of speed humps in Lakefield still an issue