Malvern residents call for speedhumps on Second Avenue

A GROUP of Malvern residents, specifically those who live near the intersection of Second Avenue and Belville Road, have called on the eThekwini Municipality to install much-needed speedhumps on Second and Third Avenue.

According to Grant Statt, one of the complainants, residents have tried to have speedhumps installed along Second Avenue for the last three years.

“Cars come flying down Third Avenue and don’t stop at the stop streets. We’ve had quite a few accidents at the intersection of Second and Third Avenue,” said Statt.

He revealed that drag racing took place along the stretch of road every Friday and Saturday night and noted the noise levels frustrate the residents living in the vicinity.

“Last weekend was the worst. There were rowdy motorbikes that kept us awake for most of the night. I fear, if this continues, there will be a fatal accident here soon. People don’t obey the traffic rules, hence the need for speed humps,” said an upset Statt.

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The owner of Little Angels Play Centre, Janette Rose, is among the many residents who have called for speed humps to be installed. Her creche is near the Belville offramp. Rose said she wrote a letter to the eThekwini Municipality on August 13 this year and requested that speedhumps be installed along Belville Road and Second Avenue. She said it has become dangerous for her learners, who travel along that route to and from school.

“Many motorists do not adhere to the speed limit on these roads and treat them as speed tracks. With our school being situated right along both roads, we can foresee accidents happening in the future – if speedhumps are not erected,” said Rose.

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She added that prevention was better than cure and emphasised the urgency of the issue. Rose’s boundary wall has been smashed into twice already. Her adjacent neighbour’s wall was also smashed into by speeding vehicles on Second Avenue. Her main concern is that, sometimes, children play in the parking area, which is near the boundary wall, and a speeding car could crash through the wall at any time.

“Speedhumps will assist in slowing down traffic, especially outside the school,” said Rose.

The public relations officer for Malvern CPF, Jasmine Norris said patrollers have noted the the reckless and inconsiderate driving by motorists. The request for traffic calming (speedhumps) on Second Avenue was logged by the eThekwini Municipality.

The City’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said all requests for traffic calming (speed humps) are assessed in terms of Council Policy. “The assessment takes up to 10 weeks. If the requirements, in terms of the policy, are met, the road will be placed on the Draft 2023/24 capital budget for council approval. We will inform the complainant of the outcome of the assessment,” said Mayisela.

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