Speed humps are losing momentum

The business sector and a parent concur with Gert Smit.

Representatives from both have lent their support to this road ‘crusader’s’ cause, providing their own context why they want speed humps and bumps removed.

The first response came from Alex Liu, chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

He related the long road businessmen have taken in opposition to speed humps on streets in the Industrial District.

Mr Liu cited traffic congestion and danger to pedestrians among reasons for their protest.

To further his argument, he forwarded a chain of emails between himself and municipal staff in which it was claimed the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was sidelined by officials.

This despite a meeting in 2013, in which Mr Liu said speed humps would be reviewed.

“I wrote to the acting SED and the portfolio councillor, but it seems it fell on deaf ears.”

Most recently, Vicky la Grange came forward with her testimony.

Breaking her argument into two points, Mrs la Grange explained the family was forced to avoid Paddock Drive en route to the NG Church Drakensbergvallei.

This was due to their vehicle being unable to cross over a speed hump. “The hump is so high, it scrapes at the bottom.”

While this irksome matter has the la Grange family take a detour every Sunday, it was another incident in April which gets her hot under the collar. This involved her daughter, Natasha, who was travelling along Coronation Drive.

“The warning sign was hidden from sight, and when Natasha realised there was a hump, she hit both brakes in a panic.”

Although fortunate to not be struck by a following vehicle, Natasha was launched off the motorcycle, shattering her collarbone in two places. “She had to go for an operation, which cost us tens of thousands of Rand. The bike was written off as well.” Mrs la Grange said should a petition in protest of irregular speed humps be created, she would be the first to add her signature.

However, she does believe humps and bumps have some worth.

“I get why they are needed but they are much too high. If you take them wrong, your wheel alignment is thrown out.”

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