Traffic measures needed to halt speeding
BRYANSTON – Concerned residents in Bryanston are calling for more traffic-calming measures on Halifax and Witney streets.
This follows numerous complaints about reckless driving on the two roads, which allegedly resulted in two cars crashing on separate occasions.
One frustrated resident, who wished to remain anonymous, explained his concerns on the excessive speed used by cars on these roads. “Most drivers traversing the route have no idea how fast they are going. I work from home [every day], so I hear and see them grossly exceeding the speed limit, or at least what could be regarded as a speed that does not constitute reckless driving,” he said.
“In one instance, a vehicle raced up the street at a completely excessive speed and continued down Witney Street, lost control and crashed through the wall.”
The irate resident also questioned if the excessive speed was due to the number of dealerships in close proximity to one another who allegedly use the road as a testing ground, and highlighted the need to take steps to deal with this ongoing terror which he claims is caused by the dealerships.
He added that should officials not take the necessary steps to deal with the issue, this could result in a major tragedy.
Responding to these concerns was Ward 102 councillor, David Potter, who confirmed that speeding was indeed a serious issue, not just within the ward, but across the city.
He also explained the process the City of Johannesburg would take regarding the installation of traffic-calming measures in the suburbs. “The city will possibly approve traffic-calming measures, such as speed humps, raised pedestrian crossings etc, however, they will not fund the implementation of these measures,” he said.
Potter explained that funding would fall on the communities instead, adding that the City had not taken on funding in the past five years, despite numerous requests to do so.
Potter concluded by urging motorists to self-regulate their driving speed and ensure they stick to the speed limit of the road.
“There are simply not enough Metro police officers to enforce [speed limits on] every road; we will, however, attempt to request that they pay the road a visit,” he said.
Do you think the City should do more to deal with speed issues? Tell us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
Also read:
Five ways to survive Sandton traffic
Pedal power needed to help solve Sandton’s traffic jams
