Reckless driving on Centenary Street raises safety concerns in Modderfontein

Reckless driving in Modderfontein has sounded alarm bells and left a concerned parent and motorist at her wits’ end.

Illiondale resident Bridget De La Querra recently raised her concerns regarding the poor behaviour of motorists travelling along Centenary Street.

According to De La Querra, the poor behaviour of motorists in the area is a longstanding issue.

She said during peak hours, traffic will become backed up along Centenary Street between Antwerp and Modderfontein roads.

“It is a huge problem; there will be days when the traffic is backed up on Centenary Street past the entrance to Glendower Golf Course towards Modderfontein Road,” said De La Querra.

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“Because it’s so backed up and because there is no flow of traffic, taxis and other motorists drive on in the oncoming lane to avoid the traffic.

“I am extremely concerned with the behaviour of motorists on this road.”

“There are parents travelling with their children to school, commuters on their way to work, and there are cars coming down the wrong side of the road; it is a safety risk,” highlighted De La Querra.

With three schools in the vicinity of the road in question, De La Querra said she is extremely concerned by those motorists disregarding the rules of the road and putting other road users in danger.

De La Querra said she previously spoke to police officers on Centenary Street, informing them of the issue and asking them for assistance.

She said that although she was given a contact number for a JMPD official, whom she called, nothing came of the phone call.

De La Querra said that although she has not witnessed any collisions occur, she said she has seen some close encounters occur between motorists.

“I think people know about the bad drivers and exercise caution, but I am waiting for the day someone collides with a vehicle travelling illegally in the oncoming lane,” said De La Querra.

She said in her opinion, a traffic light needs to be installed at the intersection of Centenary Street and Antwerp Road to help with the flow of traffic.

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While speaking with De La Querra, the News witnessed numerous motorists flout the rules of the road and speed through the intersection of Centenary Street and Antwerp Road.

Some motorists slowed down to pass through the intersection, while others drove straight through it.

JRA’s Response

In response to queries sent to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the acting head of department for mobility and freight, Sipho Nhlapo, said there are plans to develop the intersection and Centenary Street.

Nhlapo said the installation of traffic light signals at the Centenary Street and Antwerp Road intersection has been formally secured and is planned as part of the external road upgrade obligations for the Founders Hill Extension. 23 and the remaining extent of Erf 2 Founders Hill developments.

He said the upgrade will proceed according to the developer’s construction timeframe for these projects.

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Nhlapo said the JRA will oversee the process to ensure compliance with technical standards.

Discussing plans to widen Centenary Street, Nhlapo said the road is classified as a class three arterial road, and its future widening is a recognised priority.

“The JRA is actively working to secure the necessary 30-metre-wide road reserve through the approval of relevant development applications along the corridor,” said Nhlapo.

He said the actual construction timeline for widening is dependent on two critical factors, which include: the successful securing of the full road reserve and the availability of capital funding for the large-scale construction project.

“This is a long-term strategic project essential for the area’s growing traffic demands.”

Highlighting immediate safety and congestion mitigation measures, Nhlapo said while driver behaviour is a key factor, JRA’s engineering team will conduct a site assessment to investigate immediate, actionable improvements.

He said this will include reviewing and enhancing road signage and road markings to better communicate the road’s geometry and regulations to motorists, thereby encouraging safer driving behaviour.

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Nhlapo emphasised that in terms of the enforcement of traffic laws, including addressing reckless driving, falls under the mandate of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

“We encourage road users to report dangerous driving behaviour directly to JMPD for appropriate action.”

He said JRA remains committed to implementing a multi-faceted approach, combining developer contributions, long-term strategic planning, and immediate low-cost safety improvements, to address the challenges at the location.
A request for comment was sent to JMPD on February 4, requesting comment by February 6 by 14:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.