UPDATE: Councillor responds to Columbine accidents

WARD 54 Councillor Sergio Isa dos Santos recently spoke to the CHRONICLE in response to the rising number of accidents on Columbine Avenue.

“It is with sadness that we continue to see several accidents occurring along Columbine Avenue in Mondeor. Even sadder when there is loss of life. My sincere condolences to the family and friends who have lost loved ones. May the Almighty give you all strength in your bereavement,” said dos Santos.

Dos Santos pointed out that the main areas of concern along Columbine Avenue are at the corners of Edenhurst, Royal Park Drive and, most recently, Ashden. He agreed that Columbine Avenue has definitely seen an increase in traffic volumes over the years. This is due to it being a main arterial road connecting West and East.

READ: Another accident in Mondeor

“The increase in development in our suburbs and the growing number of businesses along Columbine Avenue have also contributed to the additional traffic over the years. I have tried with the assistance of JRA to mitigate this. There was additional signage erected and improved road markings. This, in particular, is from Edenhurst to Royal Park. I do believe this has helped, but I agree that more needs to be done. At Royal Park Drive (Pikitup corner), a traffic light was installed to help reduce the number of accidents at the Dis-Chem intersection. The JMPD has also regularly set up speed traps along Columbine,” said dos Santos.

He continued: “My biggest gripe is the speeding of some motorists. There are many who speed and take the bends without fear. This is one of the biggest challenges. We need motorists to abide by the rule of law and drive at the speed limit, namely 60km/h. A few years ago, a motorist was clocked doing just over 120km/h!”

READ: Preschoolers are in danger

In terms of road safety, dos Santos explored speed humps and said that this is not an option because this is a main arterial route. What he is pushing for is to have speed cameras installed at various spots along Columbine Avenue.

“I am also exploring rumble strips. JRA will also be investigating the possibility of traffic lights at Columbine and Ashden.

“The overgrown grass and bushes also cause visibility problems. I will keep pushing City Parks to attend to this and regularly,” he said.

Dos Santos humbly requests all road users to be mindful of other road users and obey the rules of the road. “As councillor, I will continue working with the relevant departments to minimise the number of accidents, especially fatal accidents. This will include, JRA, JMPD and City Parks,” he said.

READ: Mondeor crash kills two

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.