Residents of New Redruth are increasingly concerned about road safety in their suburb as accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate, particularly at intersections where motorists regularly ignore stop streets.

According to Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny, the suburb has become notorious for frequent accidents, not due solely to high-speed driving, but largely because drivers skip stop streets along roads such as Penzance, Telawarren, Padstow and Fore Street.

“These are streets that run up and down through the area and are mostly uninterrupted. People simply don’t stop. Last week, there were four accidents on Penzance Street alone, and this week there have already been two accidents on Telawarren,” said Denny.

Denny explained that for the past three years, residents, himself and other councillors have repeatedly applied for traffic-calming measures such as speed humps.

However, these requests have been declined due to budget constraints within the municipality.

“I understand the financial situation the city is in, with major backlogs involving Eskom and Rand Water. But in the interim, if there is no money for speed humps, then at the very least we should be adding more stop streets on these roads,” he said.

He stressed that the issue is particularly concerning given the number of schools and creches located in the area.

“There is a creche on Telawarren and another on Penzance. Children are at risk of being knocked over when drivers skip stop streets,” Denny added.

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said reckless driving is a daily occurrence.

@albertonrecordOngoing accidents in New Redruth have prompted residents and a local councillor to urge the City of Ekurhuleni to introduce additional stop streets near schools and creches to improve road safety. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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“It often feels like a Formula 1 track, especially in Penzance Street. Many drivers ignore stop streets completely. Taxis are also a major concern. They stop anywhere, reverse in traffic during peak times and hoot constantly, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment,” she said.

The resident confirmed that she has personally witnessed several accidents.

“We have seen four accidents at the Camborne and Penzance intersection alone. The frequency is very worrying and clearly points to a serious safety issue.”

She believes that introducing more stop streets, particularly four-way stops, would help reduce accidents.

“It would force drivers to slow down and be more cautious. Speed humps would also make a big difference.”

According to the resident, dangerous driving is most prevalent during peak hours.

“Mornings before school and afternoons until about 18:00 are the worst. This is when children and parents are on the roads, which increases the risk.”

The area is home to several schools, including Marais Viljoen High School, General Alberts Primary School and Kids on Camborne Creche.

The resident noted that many children walk to and from school daily, often crossing busy roads.

She added that a learner from Marais Viljoen High School was previously involved in an accident, as reported by the Alberton Record.

Both residents and the councillor are now appealing to the City of Ekurhuleni to urgently consider adding more stop streets, particularly near schools and creches, as a temporary but necessary step to improve road safety and prevent further accidents.

The Alberton Record requested comment from the City of Ekurhuleni. At the time of publication, no response had been received.