A proposed security access restriction in some streets in Parktown North/Parkhurst has drawn mixed reaction from residents in the neighbouring streets.
Member of the committee of the Little Chelsea Closure Zone and 5th Avenue resident Jonathan Cohen said that residents first considered the idea four years ago after a spate of house robberies, cable theft and a general spike in crime, which has subsequently increased.
Cohen explained that the proposed booming-off of the intersection of 1st Avenue West before it meets 3rd Street/6th Avenue and the erection of a locked palisade gate (available for emergencies) at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue, seemed like the best solution to the issue of crime.
The application has been with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) since the middle of last year.
According to Cohen, 80 per cent of residents within the closure zone have given their approval, with only 67 per cent required by the JRA.
He explained that three out of the four roads affected are cul-de-sacs. “While this is by no means 100 per cent fool-proof, it will not only create a significant deterrent, but it has proven to be highly effective in similar neighbourhoods.”
Cohen said that according to JRA protocol, only residents who fall within the closure zone need to be informed of the application.
“Although we obviously sympathise with the residents of neighbouring streets, every closure results in traffic diversion, but so far as we understand it, this is not regarded as legitimate grounds for the closure application to be denied. This closure has been deemed by JRA-approved traffic engineers to have a minor or negligible effect on traffic.”
Concern from neighbouring residents
6th Avenue resident Andrew Johnson says that affected parties have not been informed or given the opportunity to discuss the implications of the closure with the applicants.
Johnson’s primary concern is the effect on traffic patterns along 6th Avenue, which he says will markedly change the nature of the suburb and also impact the condition of the roads.
“Whilst I have some sympathy for the intent of the applicants i.e. securing their properties from opportunistic access, I also believe that this is a selfish and unbalanced proposal which seeks to elevate the interests of a few above those of the whole,” said Johnson.
Another 6th Avenue resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said that he was appalled that impacted residents were never consulted about the application.
“This is supposed to be a quiet residential suburb and was never intended for the already significant traffic flow we receive. The proposed changes will only serve to significantly exacerbate an already far from ideal situation,” he said.
The Parktown North Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association said they have received a full copy of the application.
“We are in the process of reviewing the application, and to get the community’s feedback as this road closure can increase the traffic flow in surrounding streets,” said chairperson Lee-Ann Louverdis.
She said that the operations of road closures are regulated by council and the following restrictions apply: [Use in block form]
- All roads are public and no one may be prevented from using them
- Security officers may not stop a vehicle and request a register to be filled in
- Security officers may not ask for personal information
- Security officers may not delay traffic
- Pedestrian gates should be left open 24 hours a day unless there is special permission for a night closure between 8pm and 6am. Pedestrian access is therefore not impacted.
JRA to make a final decision on the closure
Deputy director for transport systems management at the Johannesburg Roads Agency Nobuntu Ciko Duze said that the application is currently with the City’s transport department with a notice placed in the Government Gazette inviting comment on 24 March.
“If objections are received within the stipulated time frame, then the City must consider the objections and the applicants’ response to objections before making a final decision on the closure,” said Duze.
On 25 February, Duze said that 14 objections had been received, with many concerned about congestion on surrounding roads.