In an attempt to improve the flow of traffic in Greenstone, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Traffic Engineering Department is looking at finding ways to ease traffic congestion for motorists.
Ms Bertha Peters-Scheepers, spokesperson for the JRA, said an investigation is being undertaken by the department to determine the need for calming measures.
This is after the ward councillor, Clr Bongani Nkomo, invited the JRA on a ward tour to highlight various issues, including the need for traffic calming measures in Greenstone.
One of the issues raised with the JRA was the damaged Armco barrier on Blackrock Road in Stoneridge that has not been attended to despite the issue being reported on numerous occasions.
Clr Nkomo said the barrier was damaged in an accident a few months ago.
“The barrier was knocked onto the road by a vehicle, and the tow truck driver who responded to the accident removed it from the road as it was obstructing traffic, but it was never fixed”, Clr Nkomo said.
“I have reported this numerous times, with the first communication dating back to April,” Clr Nkomo said.
Ms Bertha Peters-Scheepers said the barrier would be fixed during June to ensure the road is safe for road users.
Clr Nkomo said after the ward tour and personal visits to the JRA offices, he is disappointed, but not surprised that nothing has been done to sort the traffic congestion issue.
“The issue joins a list of long-standing issues that JRA has committed to resolving, but have not,” he said.
“If there is a staff deficit or a shortage of resources, then councillors as public representatives should be made aware. This will allow us to manage the expectations of our communities as well as call for calm when services are not forthcoming.
“The turn-around time (of two days) for issues to be attended to is never honoured, this creates a counterproductive culture on my side as I need to constantly revert back to issues, which in my opinion, seem simple in their nature.”
Ms Peters-Scheepers said residents are encouraged to report similar issues, as well as any other road-related issues to the JRA.
Residents can contact the call centre on 0860 562 874, email hotline@jra.org.za or download the JRA Find&Fix app to report faults.
