I have a concern about the traffic lights at the intersection of Atlas and North Rand roads.
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I travel through these traffic lights on a daily basis and over the years I have witnessed many accidents at this intersection, something which I am sure the local emergency services can attest to.
In my opinion, a major problem at this intersection is the synchronisation of the traffic lights.
If one travels from east to west (Benoni to Boksburg) it is evident that when the traffic lights turn green there are still vehicles in the intersection from the north and south direction, especially vehicles travelling from a northerly direction.
This is especially a problem during peak-time traffic.
The problem is that the traffic lights turn green too quickly, thus not giving the vehicles in the intersection time to safely get out of the way of the traffic from the other direction.
If a vehicle travelling from either east or west is approaching the traffic lights at a fair speed and the lights turn green for them, the normal response from many drivers is then to proceed through the intersection at normal speed (or even accelerate), if there are still vehicles ‘stuck’ in the intersection and they also proceed to turn through the intersection.
This becomes a recipe for disaster and this is when there is a real risk of an accident.
There are also definitely drivers who take chances and drive through the intersection even when the traffic lights have turned red – this just increases the risk of an accident.
In my opinion, if the delay on the lights was sufficient for vehicles to get safely out of the intersection, the risk of accidents will be greatly reduced.
I recommend that someone who is competent and in authority assess this situation.
A good time to do this would be about 6am on a weekday.
Editor’s note:
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson Themba Gadebe replies:
The traffic signals are set to ensure that traffic volumes are managed and ensure sufficient intersection clearing time.
If it is discovered that the traffic signal is faulty, corrections will be made.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department will be requested to apply stringent law enforcement at the intersection.
The traffic signal installed should comply with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.
This is a document supported by the Road Traffic Act and the EMPD is responsible to enforce the Road Traffic Act.
Also read:
Trashy manners are unnecessary
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