Safety of learners boosted by new traffic regulators

POLOKWANE – Four traffic regulators were appointed by the municipality to help with the safety of learners and the flow of traffic during peak hours in Westenburg.

This came after parents expressed their fear that it was only a matter of time before a child was hurt due to the shortcomings of the scholar patrol during peak hours in the mornings and afternoons.

“The situation is chaotic and dangerous. In the morning Ben Harris Street, the main road in Westenburg, is very busy.

“There are two pedestrian crossings at Good Hope Primary School, one in Ben Harris Street and another in Buys Street, but motorists do not stop for the learners.

“In the afternoons, the learners walk in the road and cross the street without taking oncoming traffic into consideration,” one concerned parent said.

Following Review’s recent article (August 28) in this regard, the municipality appointed traffic regulators at the pedestrian crossing in both Buys and Ben Harris Street, on the corner of Ben Harris and John Smith Street next to Westenburg Secondary School and at the entrance of the RDP section next to the Lawton Bridge.

The traffic regulators are Westenburg residents and they had three weeks’ traffic control training with the municipal traffic department.

They work from 06:30 to 07:30 and from 13:00 to 14:00.

“We are very happy with this arrangement because now our children are safe.

“We also received scholar patrol uniforms and equipment from the department of transport, security and liaison.

“The department promised to train selected teachers and learners how to regulate traffic so that we can have our own scholar patrol. We are just waiting for the department to finalise training dates,” Cindy Buys, principal at Good Hope Primary School said.

Parents and motorists also thanked the municipality and department for their quick response and support.