Driving on 12th Street during the morning and afternoon school runs has proved to be a potential death trap for children.
The street, which is relatively quiet when school is in session, has already seen three incidents of children struck by motorists.
The most recent accident saw a child from a local school undergo emergency corrective surgery because of his injuries.
Anré Ras, a Grade Four maths teacher at Laerskool Werda, was on duty at the time.
“12th Street is chaotic in the mornings and afternoons, and we are often left alone to navigate it.
“Children from schools all over Springs are left to their own devices, often to the detriment of their safety,” explained Ras.
She added that it frustrated her knowing there was no established system to protect learners from motorists.
“12th Street is one-way in the morning and afternoons, but motorists do as they please because there is no signage.
“We petitioned for a scholar patrol to have some semblance of order, but they declined citing the street is too wide,” she said.
Local business owners on the dangerous street voiced their opinions on the matter.
“The street is relatively peaceful during the day, but once the young ones come out and transport services and parents arrive, it becomes a disaster of epic proportions.
“There are many issues with the street – the sidewalk has an exposed manhole which poses a danger for the children,” said an owner who opted to remain anonymous.
The EMPD acknowledged the situation.
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“A pointsman will be deployed daily, and a motor vehicle with two officers, when available,” read their statement.
Ward 75 Clr Charmaine Kock said the problem rus rampant across Springs.
“We have serious issues with all streets leading past Hugenote, Eureka, WK du Plessis, Werda and Jan van Riebeek, to mention a few,” said Kock.
She said people shouldn’t wait until a child dies before they took action.
“There is a lack of respect Springs motorists have for the roads. People must be held accountable for their behaviour on the streets,” she added.
