Residents say traffic congestion is a safety issue as well as a crime issue

POLOKWANE – Motorists describe the corner of Mika and Vermikuliet Street next to the municipal traffic department in Ladanna and the corner of Silicon and Fluoorspar Street as a nightmare between 17:00 and 18:00 on weekdays.

“On the corner of Mika and Vermikuliet Street there is a four-way-stop not far from the traffic light. There are two lanes; one is for turning and the other for driving straight.

“At this stop, the vehicles block the road and do not give each other any leeway. The municipality must make a plan to appoint a traffic regulator at this point because this is a serious problem, which results in traffic jams,” an angry and frustrated motorist who uses this route every day, said.

Another motorist, who works in Silicon Street, said it was a nightmare for her to get home after work on weekdays.

“On the corner of Silicon and Fluoorspar Street there is a two-way stop. I am surprised there hasn’t been a serious accident on this corner yet. Buses use this route every day because the bus terminal is not far from there.

“The drivers of the vehicles in Silicon Street get impatient at the stop and drive in front of oncoming vehicles in Fluoorspar Street because, if they don’t, they have to wait about 10 minutes before they get a chance to go,” the motorist said.

She added that with the traffic congestion on this corner, motorists in Silicon Street were also at risk of becoming victims of crime as they wait for their chance to drive.

“That corner is known for criminals who smash vehicle windows and grab whatever they can.

“My aunt was attacked on this corner not long ago. She was waiting for her turn when two men attacked her. One knocked at the left front passenger window and, when she looked his way, the other man smashed her head into the steering wheel.

“They grabbed her parcels and ran away. She couldn’t do anything as there were vehicles in front and behind her,” the woman said.

Tidimalo Chuene, municipal spokesperson said the municipality is committed to smooth movement and safety on the city’s roads and therefore traffic officers will be deployed to those areas especially during peak hours, while the municipality will look into the possibility of new stop signs at some of the more congested junctions.

“We still urge motorists to exercise patience and to obey all road rules and signs.

Any traffic issues can be reported at (015) 290 2457/ 2458/ 2000,” Chuene said.