Many readers using the affected roads pointed out that on top of having to deal with potholes and cracked road surfaces, they are also forced to bear non-existent road markings.
Others have made numerous rants on social media and made calls to the municipality, but nothing has changed.
They also complained about some motorists cutting across lanes indiscriminately as the road lines were no longer visible for them to stay in their lane.
Following all the complaints, on September 28, the Advertiser went out to inspect the quality of road markings on some of the City’s busiest roads and intersections and found that markings on many main roads are faded, with others in dire need of being refreshed.
The identified roads with the poorest road markings in Boksburg include the section of Main Reef Road between Dunswart and Knights, Field Road between Pretoria and Main Reef roads, Madeley Road between Rietfontein and Pretoria roads, where road markings, including the centre line, are either barely visible or so faded they have become almost non-existent.
Some of the sections next to schools, such as Wit Deep Primary School, lack or have faded calming measures to warn or slow the speed of traffic. This publication also found that some sections of the busy Rietfontein, North Rand and Pretoria roads have faded lines, and in some areas, there are no markings at all.
Serious concerns
Ward 33 councillor Ashley Hoods also pointed out that in his ward road markings are in a terrible state, and this situation raises some serious concerns for the overall conditions of the City’s road network.
“I have spotted and reported a number of road sections where the markings have faded to such an extent they are no longer visible to motorists. But the department has been slow to repaint those road markings,” said Hoods.
Hoods stated this is a serious problem that needs urgent attention from the roads department, as markings on the roads are crucial for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
He pointed out that poor road markings on some of the roads could be contributing to the number of serious road accidents.
“The street lights are often out at night and the combination of no lines and poor visibility at night makes these roads extremely dangerous, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area, as they can easily end up in the wrong lane or don’t know where to switch lanes.”
High priority
Ashley said he had been pushing for the maintenance of all council roads.
“Based on recent communiqué with the department, it’s clear that roads officials are struggling to repaint road markings due to budget constraint.
“The roads budget had been slashed, a decision which puts taxpayers in danger on the roads.”
Hoods stressed that this is not about government cutbacks, but about saving lives.
The Advertiser awaits comment from the metro on the issue of road markings.
Also Read: City finally patches recurring potholes on Madeley Road
