Residents of Kritzinger Road in Florentia are raising urgent safety concerns over the stretch between Beras and the Alberton Retirement Village, where speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and intoxicated drivers have posed a persistent danger for more than a decade.

Longstanding safety issues and daily risks

Rudi Fouché, who has lived in the area since 2013, says the problem has been ongoing since he moved in.

He explains that entering and exiting driveways safely is extremely difficult because drivers often ignore speed limits and stop streets.

“Some cars obey the speed limit, others don’t. Timing the vehicles is very difficult,” Fouché said.

@albertonrecord Florentia residents are calling on the City of Ekurhuleni to install speed bumps on Kritzinger Road, citing years of accidents, reckless driving, and serious safety risks to school children, the elderly, and worshipers near the retirement village. #KritzingerRoad #Alberton #Accident ♬ original sound – Alberton Record

To protect himself and his family, Fouché sometimes drives onto the sidewalk or nose-first into his driveway to avoid collisions.

Adele Kriek highlighted the danger to pedestrians: “If a car comes speeding, it’s too late. Speed is a big issue here, especially at night. It can cause someone to lose control and enter your driveway.”

Accidents, property damage and pedestrian incidents

Over the years, multiple serious incidents have occurred.

Vehicles have struck trees, walls, pavements, and people, causing property damage and endangering pedestrians.

Several accidents have involved intoxicated drivers racing along the road after leaving nearby pubs, while others ignored stop streets completely.

@albertonrecordResidents of Kritzinger Road in Florentia are raising urgent safety concerns over the stretch between Beras and the Alberton Retirement Village, where speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and intoxicated drivers have posed a persistent danger for more than a decade.

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“I have footage of several accidents,” Fouché said. “The danger is real. People have been hit, and walls and trees damaged. It’s not just a problem; it’s a threat to life.”

Children and vulnerable residents at risk

The safety concern extends to some of Alberton’s most vulnerable residents.

Kritzinger Road passes the Alberton Retirement Village at 45 Kritzinger Road, home to frail and elderly citizens.

Willem Meyer explained that the road is also used daily by school children walking to and from nearby schools such as Laerskool President Steyn, Parklands High School, and Hoërskool Alberton.

Families attending local activities and worshippers crossing from the Bergh Road entry gate after church services face the same dangers.

Children in the area cannot safely play outside their yards or in front of their homes because of the constant risk from speeding vehicles.

“The children can’t play safely. The elderly, kids, and pedestrians are all at risk every day,” Meyer said.

Legal framework supports speed-calming measures

Residents stress that only speed bumps can provide a lasting solution, rather than signs or traffic lights.

Under the City of Ekurhuleni Traffic Calming Policy (2019), roads serving schools, churches, and old-age homes are prioritised for such measures, and Kritzinger Road qualifies on all three counts.

Repeated complaints to the City of Ekurhuleni have gone unanswered, leaving residents frustrated.

Urgency ahead of rainy season

With the rainy season approaching, residents fear the risk of accidents will only increase, making immediate action critical.
“We do not want to wait for another serious accident or fatality,” Meyer said.

“Installing speed bumps will slow traffic, reduce accident severity, discourage racing, and help protect children, the elderly, and worshippers. Everyone deserves safe passage on their own streets.”

Alberton Record enquiry

The Alberton Record has sent an enquiry to the CoE regarding the residents’ concerns on Kritzinger Road and is still awaiting a response.

An update will be shared once feedback is received from the city.