Residents concerned over flouting of rules on Chelsea Drive
Residents say drivers continually ignore a stretch of the busy road which is a one-way.
CHELSEA Drive residents have expressed their concern over drivers continually flouting a stretch of the busy one-way road. However, in recent times, several motorists have ignored the no-entry sign and painted lines. Brad Jacklin, who lives on the road and who drops his child off every morning at Chelsea Prep said he has seen parents and other road users take a chance on the stretch of road.
“It’s dangerous. This one-way is ignored currently because there are no road markings or other signage. Because the road is being resurfaced the painted island has been removed. However, even those who know the rules still choose to use this stretch as a two-way. I see at least 50 cars taking a chance every morning. My concern is there is a blind rise and motorists coming down the stretch of road, who have the right of way, could end up having a nasty accident.
You may be interested in: uMhlanga interchange set for 2017 completion
“I believe the City is looking at making this a two-way road. My personal view is it shouldn’t be allowed because of the blind rise factor. I feel the painted island that was there before should be raised and hardened and perhaps we need to look at raising the speed humps. The current humps don’t do anything to stop the bigger vehicles from gaining speed, they simply just ramp over them. The road is also becoming a thoroughfare for taxis trying to beat the traffic on Kenneth Kaunda (Northway),” Jacklin said.
He added since the resurfacing, the condition of the road has worsened.
Another resident, Shannon Müller said she was concerned for school children, other drivers and pedestrians.
“Previously there was a large tree located partially in the roadway, which has since been removed, but that does not change the fact that the road is still a one-way. My concern is for the school children. School drop off traffic is always hectic at any school, and this along with raised tempers does not add positively to the mayhem,” she said.
Also read: Councillor explains uMhlanga road closure
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said a study was currently being conducted by the eThekwini Traffic Authority (ETA) to make the stretch a two-way road.
