LAST month, Queensburgh News reported on a petition started by Jay Singh, a local resident and PR councillor for the United Independent Movement, to address the rising number of accidents on the M7 highway.
Also read: Concern over M7 truck accidents
The petition, which amassed 898 signatures, addressed several concerns, including the lack of law enforcement, the state of the highway, which is dotted with potholes, as well as the increasing traffic violations from drivers and, in particular, truck drivers.
Another point of contention was the truck stop near the Bellville bridge off-ramp where trucks are supposed to stop and gear down going down the hill towards the N2.
Since then, Singh has met with senior leadership within the metro police to discuss a way forward to address the high rate of accidents and traffic violations.
This has led to an operation being held on the M7 as well an increasing number of trucks gearing down at the Belville Bridge.
“I met with Colonel Siya Dlamini of Metro Queensburgh, and what became abundantly clear was how the lack of resources remains the biggest challenge for metro to carry out their duties. He acknowledged the severity of the situation but pointed out the department’s limited resources, including a shortage of staff and patrol vehicles. This limitation has hindered their ability to increase law enforcement presence on the M7 and effectively address traffic violations.
Also read: Two trucks crash on the M7 Durban-bound
“Because of this, I intend to now drive this matter forward in Council. I sit on the security cluster, and it is something I will advocate for. We will advocate strongly at the municipal and provincial levels for additional resources to enhance law enforcement capabilities in our area, focusing on the M7,” the Blundell Road resident said.
Singh said he had noticed a difference in trucks stopping and reckless driving on the M7 in the days following the meeting but again acknowledges that more policing is needed to fully address the rising number of accidents on the highway.
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