IT has been described as the chaotic scenes similar to the popular ‘The Fast and Furious’ Hollywood saga, with dangerously fast cars and rowdy crowds of supporters. However, for the surrounding community’, there is nothing glamorous or exciting about the ever-prevalent drag racing that has been taking place on Chris Hani (North Coast) Road.
Community concerns
According to Bobby Maharajh, chairman of the Red Hill/ Avoca Civic Organisation, the criminal act is not only endangering the lives of other motorists using the popular roadway, but has also disrupted the peace within the community.
In recent months the prevalence of the drag racing has increased exponentially, he added.
“In the beginning the racing only occurred over the weekends but now it has progressed to the point where we receive reports of drag races on any day of the week,” said an exacerbated Maharajh.
The drag racers use the strip of road from the robot at the M25 offramp to the Rinaldo Road robot as a race track, he said.
The noise pollution caused by the illegally-modified vehicles, said Maharajh, has been reportedly heard as far as Glen Anil.
Response from authorities
Sanjith Bose, a member of the Red Hill/ Avoca Civic Organisation’s executive committee, said that they have, without much success, sought assistance from both the SAPS, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Metro Police.
“Numerous meetings have been scheduled with the authorities, and while we have had some success, where cars have been confiscated, we have, for the most part, had very little response and assistance,” he said.
Maharajh echoed Bose’s sentiments, saying they were tired of being told that the authorities do not have enough resources to attend to the issue.
“Frustrations are growing with the lack of response. I don’t know if the authorities are waiting for some drastic accident to occur or for the residents to take matters into their own hands before taking action. We are trying to solve things amicably, but with the accumulation of frustration things might soon turn violent,” he said.
However, W/O Leon Audh, spokesperson for the Greenwood Park SAPS, said that while Metro Police are mandated to respond to traffic-related incidents, they have responded to drag racing along the stretch of road, as they are close to the vicinity,
“For the most part Metro, has responded to the incidents. They fine the suspects and bring them to the station for bookings. It is a difficult crime to curb as in many cases the suspects move on the next scene before authorities can arrive at the scene,” he said.
Alternative suggestions:
Maharajh, the former chairman of KZN Athletics and the Comrades Marathon Association’s Board of Trustees, added that he did not want to be ‘wet blanket’ to the sporting fun of drag racing, but he felt that there was a time and place for everything.
“In the end, drag racing is a sport, and can be a fun and exciting one at that. But by conducting the races on a public road they are not only endangering the drivers and their spectators but also the public, and it disrupts the community. For all the money that is spent modifying the cars I believe that the these guys can spend some money to travel to the racing grounds in Port Shepstone where there are also proper medical facilities in case of an accident. Thus far we can confirm one death related to the illegal drag racing,” he said.
Residents in uMhlanga Ridge have expressed similar concerns with drag racing being a common occurrence along Meridian Drive and Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard.
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