Twice this year, the fence at Bedfordview Montessori Pre-Primary Baby Centre has been driven into.

Owner and principal of Bedfordview Montessori, Jacqueline Lundberg, said the first incident happened on February 19 and the second on May 11.

Recounting the incidents, manager Michelle Fitchett said the first occurred around 20:00, when she received a call reporting that someone had driven into the fence.

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Upon arriving at the scene, Fitchett found the driver still there.

She then posted about the incident on the Basically Bedfordview Facebook group, and security personnel were dispatched.

“The traffic department came, I think, almost an hour afterwards. There were lots of security people who came to see if we were fine. People were also messaging in the group. The driver was intoxicated.

“The driver’s brother came, and they were laughing and joking. The guys were walking around with glasses of alcohol in front of the cops,” recalled Fitchett.

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The manager also noticed that the EMPD did not conduct a breathalyser test. She said the female officer made the driver sign an affidavit, and that was it.

The metro police controlled traffic for a short while before leaving.

Fitchett added: “The car was a mess. We had to replace the fence. We fixed the wall and paid for everything ourselves. They have not even paid us for that yet.”

The second incident happened at 04:30 while everyone was asleep. All that remained at the scene were the car’s parts.

Bedfordview Montessori now has to pay out of pocket once again, not only for the wall repairs but also for maintenance and electricity-related issues, which have cost thousands of rand.

Meanwhile, Lundberg said they contacted Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys, who indicated that she would request a barrier from the Roads Department. However, with one barrier costing R8 000, Humphreys expressed doubt about whether the department had the stock or budget available.

Humphreys added: “Motorists are ignoring traffic regulations everywhere. We need speed cameras everywhere and reliable EMPD.”

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The principal expressed concern that a similar incident could occur during the day, when children are present.

She also warned that a vehicle could crash into the tree outside the centre, causing it to fall.

There is a traffic circle next to the centre; however, the three traffic lights there are not working.

Fitchett and Lundberg hope that either a barrier or a speed bump will be installed to help slow down speeding motorists.

The EMPD was contacted for comment on May 19 and acknowledged receipt of the enquiry.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.