CALLS to repair the steel barriers on St Johns Avenue bridge and M13 Field’s Hill are continuously raised by concerned residents as the number of accidents rise.
The M13 Field’s Hill is notorious for fatal crashes and is a major arterial highway used by hundreds of commuters every day.
ALSO READ: Car plunges off St Johns bridge, one injured
Pinetown community activist, Andreas Mathios said the M13 Field’s Hill from the Pioneer Road off ramp to the St Johns Avenue bridge is a problematic area for motorists.
“We have been called for numerous accidents over the years especially in December and in wet conditions due to the fact that this a downhill road,” said Mathios.
The ProAct Neighbourhood Watch member pointed out that speed was a contributing factor to the high number of accidents.
“The St Johns bridge has also been an accident zone for many years, the barriers are not conducive to high impact collisions,” explained Mathios.
He said drivers are also a part of the problem. “The infrastructure is a contributing problem as motorists try to get to the M13 from the M7 and most of the time can not see clearly when there is a grid lock and end up crashing off the barriers.
“People have died at that intersection, while the Department of Transport need to maintain the area but I also appeal to motorists to drive responsibly.
“Motorists also need to be disciplined and changed their attitudes towards other drivers. The trucks who are not supposed to be at the M13 freeway are also a contributing factor,” he said.
ALSO READ: Vehicle plunges 25m down Field’s Hill embankment
Mathios advised motorists to pay attention on the roads especially in wet conditions and reduce speed in poor visibility areas, and maintain a safe distance in a car in front of them.
A motorist, Suren Ganapathie said part of the rails on St Johns bridge have been missing for months.
While Ganapathie said he felt the department is neglecting its responsibility towards maintaining safety on their routes, he also put part of the blame on the drivers.
“My observation is that the oncoming motorists from M7 west turning right into the M13 towards Westville, cannot view oncoming motorists approaching on the left lane leaving Pinetown, especially if all three lanes are busy. Some are patient, others edge forward and some take a chance,” he said.
I appeal to the department to investigate and perhaps, find a way to prevent these accidents,” he pleaded.
The Department of Transport did not respond by the time of going to print.
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