A trail of accidents at Springhaas and J G Strydom roads has the community fed-up with this dangerous intersection.
The intersection was in the news recently. Frustration rose to boiling point on the morning of 27 January when a young man, aged 18, was knocked off of his motorcycle and tragically lost his life.
Since then, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) promised a traffic count to evaluate the plausibility of adding a green arrow at the intersection. JRA Spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said, “We have also escalated the concerns of residents to JMPD for assistance with traffic law enforcement initiatives.”
Another accident occurred on 17 February when a motorcyclist was knocked down. Sadly, yet another accident took place on 22 February.
The accidents seem to be a culmination of motorists speeding and the need for alternative traffic calming methods.
Residents are at their wits’ end.
“Laws need to change and people’s cars crushed for repeat offences,” said local resident Timothy Csermak.
Another resident, Jared Draper commented, “I believe the vehicle should be impounded immediately and only released on payment of the R2 500 fine.”
“The community should now take things into their own hands,” said Sonja Pelser.
Ward 89 Councillor Ingrid Reinten commented, “I want to suggest that we start a community initiative to clean up the area – remove dustbins to a safer area, remove any rocks or concrete that could lead to accidents.” Councillor Reinten added that she had no feedback from anyone at JRA, the Department of Transport, the MMC or the regional director.
JMPD Superintendent Edna Mamonyane explained that JMPD will start by viewing the speeding conditions of the intersection in question. “We then request from the Department of Public Prosecution permission to enforce the speed limit.”
JRA said that currently their mobility and freight department is conducting a traffic study. “JRA sincerely apologises for the delay in service and we encourage the escalation of all reported issues with a reference number to our email hotline@jra.org.za.”
Details: Ward 89 Councillor Ingrid Reinten, joburgward89@gmail.com or 083 440 8343; JRA, 086 056 2874.
