Kliprivier intersection is a bad accident waiting to happen
Recently there have been complaints from community members concerning drivers who illegally turn right into True North Road, from Kliprivier Drive, at peak hours.
KLIPRIVIER Drive has seen many fatal accidents over the years, and many have been at the intersection of roads adjoining it.
There are four roads where serious accidents, some fatal, have occurred. They are Impala Road, Bellairs Drive, Jordi Road and True North Road, as well as the four-way intersection with Swartkoppies. It’s alleged most of the accidents result from drivers exceeding the speed limit, which is now 80km/h along Kliprivier Drive.
Recently there have been complaints from community members concerning drivers who illegally turn right into True North Road, from Kliprivier Drive, at peak hours.
The Comaro CHRONICLE visited the spot on Tuesday morning, April 17, about 6.50am and took photographs of drivers who turned right from a no-right-turning lane that goes straight on up Kliprivier Drive.
From what people had said, our impression was that it was mainly taxi drivers who were flouting the traffic rules. But standing there for over half an hour, we noticed many motorists turning illegally from a no-right-turning lane.
Community concerns
Dion from the WhatsApp group ‘I Love Joburg South’ wrote, “Today again a school shuttle service was nearly taken out due to this. I don’t want to be the one on the group that says told you so when someone is killed there or even worse my family. Please this matter is urgent! The vehicles turning right totally block the view for people in the legal turning lane, making it impossible to see.”
Toni Mackrell said on the same group, “The turn to the right from Kliprivier to True North should be closed off. This will allow people to go up to the robot by Bellairs to turn right into Glenvista or take the Aspen turn-off by the bridge before the turn. They did this 30 years ago on the R82 by Meredale /Alan Manor crossing when there were so many fatal accidents and it solved the problem. We urgently need action on this.”
Another member of the group added, “What is wrong with the right turn into True North Road? It’s a normal road with a traffic light. It has a turn-right sign. People must stop speeding and driving recklessly. Also lines must be painted allowing for one turn-right lane as taxis and other impatient people come on left of turning cars and create another lane, blocking the vision of the turning-right drivers. Also the turn-right arrow should be on for longer in peak traffic to allow traffic to flow.
The speed limit on Kliprivier Drive should be changed to 60km/h and enforce speed-calming measures. People drive on Kliprivier Drive like it’s a highway.”
In answer to this comment, another member said, “Not feasible. True North is a vital arterial road. It’s better to improve the capacity of the turning area, either by widening the entrance and making two lanes turning if assessment from road engineering approves it, or short term to increase three-phase turning arrow timing with a loop sensor at the turning lane. Also combined with enforcement to stop habitual offenders.”
One driver who stopped to chat with us said, “I was driving along Kliprivier Drive going towards Mall of the South last week and had to pass through this traffic light intersection. Thankfully, I wasn’t going much over the speed limit and a car came across from the other side of Kliprivier Drive to go into True North Road and I nearly took him out. The traffic lights were on green for me and he was turning from the legal lane, but another vehicle turning illegally was blocking his view. I could have killed him. Something must be done here before someone is killed.”
Also Read: Horrific accident on Kliprivier Drive
Child allegedly killed in Mulbarton accident
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.
