WHILE many people take to social media to voice their frustrations over issues affecting them, some local residents have taken an unconventional approach to address speeding down Mackeurtan Avenue, particularly at the intersection of the Virginia Circle.
A sign reading ‘7 collisions, 7 speeding idiots!’ has been erected on top of the rockery display, which was recently constructed by the Virginia Community Forum to beautify their neighbourhood. Lying directly in front of the display lies the broken pieces of wooden barrier fencing that surround the circle as well as a leaning light pole, which has borne the brunt of speeding drivers. A chevron sign, which was put up by the eThekwini Traffic Authority (ETA), to warn vehicles to slow down, now lies crumpled on the ground.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said the sign was an indication of the resident’s frustration.
“The residents are tired of people crashing through the barriers and the endless speeding down Mackeurtan Avenue. There have been more than seven accidents since the circle was constructed and they have continued unabated. The initial response from the ETA, however, is there cannot be an engineered solution for poor driving behaviour.
“When we approached them about the issue of speeding, their second response was to put up additional signage, which includes the chevron sign, which has been damaged in one of the accidents. There is no excuse from the municipality not to implement stringent measures to curb speeding,” he said.
Ryley added Metro Police needed to play their role to curb speedsters.
“There are many roads in the ward which require regular enforcement and I am often told by Metro Police that there are constraints regarding resources. This is unacceptable when public safety is at risk.
“Attempts to get answers through official means (questions to council and committees) have been constantly dodged, suggesting a serious problem in Metro Police that needs to be addressed. There are a number of dedicated members who are trying extremely hard to do the best they can with the little they have. A definite answer with regard to who Metro Police answers to is also not forthcoming,” he said.
- Following an article in Northglen News last week on speeding on Danville Avenue, Ryley said the municipality would be installing speed humps in 2017 directly outside Danville Park Girl’s High School.
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