DESPITE intense planning ahead of the festive season beach crunch, traffic-related problems during peak holidays could this year be the worst ever.
With no alternative access routes to which taxis and buses can be diverted, and with construction in progress on the John Ross Parkway, Meerensee residents and through traffic will be seriously affected.
Congestion – and road rage – will be especially evident on the Christmas and New Year weekends.
The matter was raised at Tuesday’s City of uMhlathuze Exco meeting, where Mayor Mdu Mhlongo expressed the need for a second road to Alkantstrand and the Bay Hall.
‘We may need to invest in the road infrastructure; we need a second entrance and exit to the beach recreational area.
‘Reaction of emergency vehicles to potential disasters is seriously compromised and it will be even worse with additional speed humps on the roads.
‘We need to find a balance between the need and the potential problems,’ said Cllr Mhlongo.
City law enforcement and disaster management, together with the SAPS, will do their utmost to minimise the perennial traffic and behaviour problems.
Among the issues addressed in their contingency plans are roadside drinking parties, taxis creating their own extra lanes and vehicles forcing their way into restricted zones.
Construction work at the Green Africa/Medway Road section of the John Ross could significantly increase the congestion and frustration.
Meanwhile, an additional 30 temporary lifeguards will assist the seven permanent lifeguards, with special emphasis on the Bay Hall high risk bathing area.
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