As they patiently sit in traffic awaiting their fair turn to move forward, they become infuriated as intolerant taxis and motorists push through any available gap, drive on the pavements or islands, and even deliberately drive into oncoming traffic.
There have been numerous complaints recently from motorists who travel on Leslie Avenue, Juweel Street and Troupant Avenue, regarding the lawless commuters.
Motorist Carla Leggat of Douglasdale has found herself at her wits end almost every morning on her school run, and feels something needs to be done urgently before someone gets hurt.
“My kids are even petrified to go to school in the mornings as these cars literally push us off the road,” said Leggat. “We have to move out of the way to give them way, in particular in Juweel Street.”
She added that she tried to report the reckless driving at Douglasdale Police Station, but they said she had to report it as it happened so that they could catch these drivers.
“I have even tried to contact Metro police but were told that they are understaffed and they cannot attend to minor incidents like these.”
Another motorist, John Williams voiced his concern about similar occurrences on Troupant Avenue.
“Homeowners with their driveways entering Troupant on the inside of the blind corner from Glenian Road, must take their life in their hands if they want to turn left from their driveway,” said Williams. “I believe that the danger of a road-rage incident may be as great as an actual accident.”
Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar responded to these complaints by saying that they were increasing visibility in these areas to their fullest capacity.
“We also held an operation on Leslie Avenue on 26 February where unruly drivers were fined R1 000 for every unlawful indiscretion along the road,” said Minnaar. “We feel it was very successful in deterring this kind of reckless driving.”
The issue has been raised with ward councillors Chris Santana and Stephen Moore, who want to assure residents that they are looking into ways into having the problem solved.
How should Metro police deal with reckless motorists? Let Fourways Review know in the comments below.
