“Ouklip Road a raceway”

It is because of reckless and irresponsible/ drunk drivers that Ouklip Road has become such a hazard.

But, despite the road being dubbed an unofficial racecourse and some motorists showing complete and utter disregard for traffic laws – especially at night – authorities vowed that they would do whatever they could to make the road safer.

These were only some of the key points brought up on Wednesday 14 August during a Ward 83 public meeting regarding the Ouklip issue that was held at Klein Helderkruin Old Age Home.

Present at the meeting were representatives of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA), Councillors Suzanne Clarke and Willie van der Schyf along with more than 40 residents.

“During the day people adhere to the speed limit, but at night it is a raceway,” a long-time resident of Ouklip Road said.

“More than 50 accidents occurred on Ouklip Road in the past 10 years. How are any of you going to put a stop to this? We are sick and tired,” another said.

Residents were shocked especially to hear that some drivers use Ouklip Road to challenge each other. The current speeding record is said to be 17 seconds from the well-known entertainment venue on Ouklip Road to Graphite Road.

While some residents blamed this entertainment venue for people becoming intoxicated, Transport Portfolio Ward 83 committee member, TJ van der Merwe made it clear that people cannot make this assumption.

“When I leave a bar or entertainment venue after having had a few drinks and get involved in an accident, my wife or family cannot hold venues responsible. Motorists should watch their behaviour. It had not been proven that these fatal accidents were caused by intoxicated drivers,” he said.

Residents then suggested that this entertainment venue should close its doors earlier than the alleged 4am curfew.

It also was said that traffic on Ouklip Road increased because those travelling from Mogale City want to avoid the traffic lights on Wilgerood Road.

Ward 83 Councillor Suzanne Clarke then asked Sergeant Mosiwa of the JMPD that they should assist and be more visible on Ouklip Road especially over weekends, to which Mosiwa replied that their resources are limited.

“We only have a few vehicles and staff on duty over the weekends,” he said.

However, it was said that the JMPD would do their utmost to discourage speeding. Permanent cameras, regular roadblocks and a high-speed unit to assist the JMPD in confiscating the vehicles of those motorists who speed and are under the influence are possible solutions.

More good news is that a three-way stop at the corner of Sonderend Street and Ouklip Road as well as barriers, flashing lights, narrowing Ouklip Road and upgrading some traffic signs have been approved.

Traffic lights and traffic circles are a no-go in terms of the National Road Traffic Act.

One resident lashed out at the JRA’s lack of proper planning in terms of Ouklip.

“Why repaint the road markings and a few days later resurface the road completely? You now again have to repaint the markings, which is a total waste of time and money.”

Lawrence Maseko, Region C manager of the JRA Hamberg depot seemed amused but satisfied with the resurfacing process. He emphasised that, “We do not build roads to kill people.

“The resurfacing of Ouklip Road is in progress and this process will take another week.”

He also mentioned that JRA only has a budget of R14 million to repair more than 30 roads, which is problematic in Region C as that amount is not sufficient to repair them all. Allegedly JRA needs at least R92 million to upgrade all the streets, which is why they prioritise.

“People must understand that we cannot do what we want. There are rules and regulations in place; and if we do not do things by the book, people can sue us.”

Residents suggested that JRA plan better and fix the many water leaks first before they resume resurfacing the roads. Some then felt that speeding would be encouraged even more by resurfacing Ouklip Road .

Residents also suggested that speed humps were the only way to force motorists to slow down.

“Those irresponsible drivers will damage their vehicles and eventually use another road,” one resident said.

Councillor Willie van der Schyf concluded by saying, “Motorists’ behaviour is the big issue. Going forward, let us use this ward as an example of road safety.”