Relief as traffic lights installed at Marion intersection
The intersection has become an accident hot-spot over the years with three accidents occurring in the last two months, all of which resulted in overturned vehicles.
RESIDENTS of Durban North are breathing a sigh of relief after the City began the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Marion and Newport Avenues. The intersection has become an accident hot-spot over the years with three accidents occurring in the last two months, all of which resulted in overturned vehicles.
In May the eThekwini’s Traffic Authority (ETA) announced they would be installing traffic lights at three intersections which included Herrwood Drive and Autumn Dive as well as Keynsham Drive and Umhlanga Rocks Drive.
Local resident, Buzz Bolton, was pleased to see the robots finally installed after years of near fatalities.
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“In light of the amount of accidents that occur here this is a welcome sight. As a biker I avoid this intersection at all costs because of the amount of near fatalities. I’ve lived in the area for 33 years and my wife and I have witnessed so many accidents. I feel the traffic lights will be a welcome relief to so many residents and motorists using this stretch, especially to those who feel under pressure when crossing this intersection,” he said.
uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, echoed Bolton’s comments saying now it was up to drivers to reduce their speed at the intersection.
“I’m glad the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) recognizes the intersection has a high accident rate, especially after lobbying for them. I do believe that lights will seriously improve road safety, particularly in the morning and afternoon when school traffic is at a peak. The recent accidents are however, an indication of the high speed being done on Newport. This is an issue that must be addressed not just by the city, but by drivers themselves. We cannot continue to have such accidents on such a well demarcated intersection,” he said.
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