Hazardous, life threatening, a nightmare, an accident zone – these are some of the words people used to describe the Salt Rock Road intersection between Tiffany’s Centre and Sasol Salt Rock.
While people are quick to blame Sasol and Tiffany’s for not installing the much needed traffic lights, both businesses said that their hands are tied.
Tiffany’s Centre manager, Nicky Vorster said they have been trying to get approval for the past four years.
“We have played by the rules and followed all the procedures set by KDM and the Department of Transport to get the robots approved and still, we do not have the go ahead,” said Vorster.
“We are desperate to have robots installed.”
Sasol Salt Rock branch manager, Henry Simpson said they are very concerned about the authorities’ failure to acknowledge the need for robots.
“The section of Old Salt Rock Road opposite Tiffany’s and Sasol belongs to the provincial roads department. We have been in discussion with them regarding robots for several years now, to no avail,” said Simpson.
“We have commissioned and financed two road counts, shared in the costs for a third and independently financed the fourth that was conducted on October 15. It clearly indicated the need for robots. This road count has been sent to the DoT, but we still have not received approval.”
He said customers complain and they have every right to, considering the danger this busy intersection presents.
Sage owner, Janine Hill agreed and said their business has been affected.
“People do not want to come to us anymore, because of this terrifying intersection,” said Hill.
A huge discussion broke out on the North Coast Courier Facebook page about the lack of traffic lights.
Resident Christopher Cameron Jacoby said he avoided the road like the plague during the festive season.
Susan Douglas said she loved Tiffany’s, but hated the intersection, because it was always a problem and it was getting worse.
“Are they waiting for someone to be killed in a car crash or a pedestrian to be run over before they install robots?” said Douglas.
Mbalie Joan said it was very difficult for pedestrians to cross the road.
“It is the only centre close to us in Salt Rock, but we are in danger. Our children have to cross the road everyday to go to Sizani School. Something must be done.”
Salt Rock councillor, Malcolm Hubner said councillors have been kept in the dark about the traffic lights issue.
“We have been excluded from meetings. When we ask for the minutes or want information, both DoT and KDM keep making excuses. They are just passing the buck,” said Hubner.
No response had been received from DoT or KDM at the time of going to print.
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