Tensions in South Crest continue to escalate four weeks after the installation of speed humps, with residents now citing a recent crash and possible policy violations as evidence that the traffic calming measures may be unsafe and improperly implemented.

On April 29, a driver reportedly lost control of a vehicle near a speed hump on Becker Street and bumped into a resident’s boundary structure.

While residents believe the incident was caused by the height and positioning of the hump, particularly on an incline, this has not been officially confirmed.

The incident has added urgency to an ongoing dispute between residents and the City of Ekurhuleni over whether proper procedures were followed.

The city maintains that due process was adhered to, stating that an application for traffic calming measures was received, evaluated, approved, and placed on a waiting list until funding became available.

“The normal traffic calming warrant investigation has been conducted and was found to be warranted,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

However, residents have strongly disputed this, with 53 people signing a formal petition on April 7 calling for the immediate removal of the humps.

Policy contradictions raised

Residents argue that the installation may conflict with the city’s traffic-calming policy.

According to the policy, traffic calming measures in enclosed areas are generally discouraged, as these roads are typically used only by residents and not through traffic.

The policy also states that traffic calming should not be used primarily to control speeding, as this is a law enforcement matter.

In addition, implementation guidelines indicate that traffic calming measures should have the support of at least 67% of affected residents.

Residents claim this threshold was not met and that most people in the area were unaware of any application.
The city, however, maintains that its policy does not require a specific percentage of resident approval.

Further concerns relate to the placement of some of the speed humps.

The city’s policy states that traffic calming measures should generally not be installed at stop or yield-controlled intersections, except in exceptional cases where engineering judgement justifies the decision.

Residents say at least one speed hump has been installed directly next to a stop sign, raising questions about whether such justification exists.

Design and safety concerns

Additional concerns relate to the design and condition of the speed humps.

The city’s policy guidelines indicate that speed humps should generally be between 50mm and 100mm in height.
Residents claim that at least one hump on Becker Street measures approximately 180mm, significantly exceeding recommended standards.

In addition, the policy requires that speed humps be clearly marked and painted with visible warning signage to ensure driver awareness and safety.

Four weeks after installation, residents say the humps remain unpainted and poorly visible, particularly at night.

“The humps are basically invisible in the evening. You only see them when it’s too late,” said Sally Van Rhyn.

Guidelines also caution against installing speed humps on steep gradients or near intersections unless supported by engineering judgement.

Residents say some of the humps are positioned on inclines, further increasing safety risks.

Impact on residents

Several residents say the humps are already causing damage to vehicles and affecting daily movement.

Long-time resident Anita Müller said she is forced to drive into the oncoming lane to avoid scraping the underside of her car.

“This creates a serious safety hazard,” she said, adding that the uphill positioning near a stop sign makes driving particularly difficult.

Another resident, Pree Naidoo, said vehicle components have been damaged due to the height and placement of the humps.

Others raised concerns about increased noise, limited access for low-clearance vehicles, and the potential impact on emergency response times; something the city itself acknowledged.

Questions have also been raised about whether speeding is a genuine issue in the area.

Frik Botha, a resident who has lived in South Crest for 53 years, said there has only been one serious incident in decades.

“That was caused by a drunk driver. There has never been a speeding problem here,” he said.

Mixed views within the community

Despite widespread frustration, some residents initially supported the installation.

Adri Pistorius, principal of a local school, said she agreed to the proposal after concerns were raised about speeding and road safety near the school. “Safety must come first,” she said.

However, she acknowledged that the current implementation has created problems.

“The humps are very high and not painted. Some parents cannot access the school because their vehicles are too low,” she said.

She has since signed a petition calling for the humps to be modified or removed.

Calls for transparency

Residents and the ward councillor have also raised concerns about whether the required stakeholder involvement took place.

The city’s traffic calming policy outlines that councillors play a key role in the process, including assisting residents in formalising requests, communicating the policy, supporting public participation, and helping communicate outcomes to the community.

Ward councillor Tim Denny said this step appears to have been overlooked.

“As councillors, we are expected to be part of the process and assist with community engagement.

“It becomes very difficult to do our work if these processes are not followed or if we are not informed,” he said.
Denny reiterated that he supports traffic calming measures where necessary, but stressed that proper procedures, including councillor involvement and community consultation, must be adhered to.

ALSO READ: South Crest speed hump dispute sparks confusion over approval process

Despite repeated requests, residents say they are still waiting for the city to provide documentation showing who applied for the speed humps and how many residents supported the decision.

The city had not responded to follow-up requests for documentation supporting the application and approval process at the time of publication.

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