THERE have been renewed calls for speed calming at the bottom of Mackeurtan Avenue after the 12th accident at the Virginia traffic circle. One of the frequent casualties, is a light pole on the edge of the traffic circle. Last week the light pole was once again knocked over.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said he hoped the accident proved to the eThekwini Traffic Authority (ETA) that speed calming was needed on the road, particularly at the bottom of Mackeurtan Avenue.
VIDEO: Drifter crashes car on Mackeurtan Avenue
“I’ve lost count of how many accidents there have been and how many times the light pole has been replaced or repaired. It’s imperative to have the street light to ensure the area is well-lit. However, residents will bear testament to the fact that the street light is not replaced immediately, it takes months to get a replacement. Even getting an official number from the City will not bear testament to how many accidents there have been. I would like to know how much it’s costing the department,” he said.
Ryley said the speed limit on the residential road was 60km/h but motorists were continuously flouting the rules.
“I feel speed humps are the answer to the problem. A lot of the time, motorists misjudge how much time they have when they enter the circle and they speed to the end of it only to realise they’ve made a serious blunder, by then it’s too late,” he said.
Earlier this year, the ETA announced it would be narrowing Mackeurtan Avenue, as you enter the Virginia traffic circle to one lane.
The department will be painting a yellow line at the bottom of the road for motorists to merge into one lane.
Read Also: Mackeurtan Avenue to be narrowed at traffic circle
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with local news or follow us on WhatsApp on 060 532 5532.
