Fourways residents gamble with their lives as many traffic lights are out of order
Fourways is experiencing severe traffic congestion due to 19 non-functional traffic lights, posing risks to motorists and pedestrians. Ward 94 Councillor David Foley reports asking for MMC Kenny Kunene to intervene.
Fourways, notoriously known for its crippling traffic congestion, has reached a breaking point.
The area’s already notorious gridlocks have turned dangerous, with 19 traffic lights that are out of order, forcing motorists and pedestrians to gamble with their lives on the roads.
Read more: Check how to report faulty traffic lights in the City of Gold
According to Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who’s spearheading efforts to restore order, the consequences are dire. He said there’s been an increase in non-fatal, for now, accidents, as well as rampant reckless driving.
The frustration has also boiled over to residents who cannot stop complaining, asking Foley when the lights will be back on.
“The cars don’t stop and there’s been numerous accidents at these intersections because at night, when there are no street lights, it gets very dark. Many calls have been logged, but unfortunately the 14 days turnaround time has been missed by quite a lot. It seems budget is a problem at this point.”
Foley said there are a total of 400 traffic signals in Gauteng and 250 just in Johannesburg, which the provincial municipality are looking after, with a 14 day turnaround time, which is not being honoured in most cases.
“This has an economical impact on Joburg as driving from one point to another takes longer. Along Winnie Mandela Drive from Broadacres Drive to Uranium Street the taxis drive on the pedestrian walkways. Both cyclists and pedestrians have been injured due to the total disrespect of the rules of the road. When the JMPD are present the taxis behave, but they cannot be there all day everyday.”
Also read: Slowly but surely annoying flashing traffic lights will stay switched on
He said as part of his plans to intervene and restore order, he has engaged with the MMC of transport, Kenny Kunene, and pleaded that the provincial traffic lights in Johannesburg be handed back to the JRA.
“The MMC said he is talking to the premier of Gauteng; this is the only solution in my view. I am also working on the Fourways Improvement District initiative to supply power to traffic lights and street lights in the area.”
This is the list of the traffic lights that are not working in Ward 94, according to Foley.
• N1 and Winnie Mandela Drive
• Winnie Mandela and Monte Casino Boulevard
• Winnie Mandela and Witkoppen
• Winnie Mandela and Robert Bruce
• Winnie Mandela and Broadacres Drive
• Main Road (M71) and Lachlan
• Main (M71) and Witkoppen
• Cedar and Fourways Boulevard
• R55 and Main (M71)
• Winnie Mandela Drive and White Hills Boulevard
• Main (M71) and Maple/Ash
• Witkoppen and Winnie Mandela Drive
• Cedar and Uranium Street
• R55 and Summit/Olifansfontein
• Witkoppen and Douglas Drive
• Main (M71) and Robin Road/Sangster Road
• Summit and Village Road
• Winnie Mandela and Summit Road
• Cedar and Third Road
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Related article: Authorities to hand over traffic lights responsibilities to local shopping centres
