Residents petition for traffic calming measures

Mr Sean de la Rosa said to ensure safety in the suburb, it has become necessary to request that the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) install traffic calming measures on main arterial routes such as Langermann Drive and Roberts Avenue.

Langermann Drive continues into Roberts Avenue.

“There is increased urgency for traffic calming measures on this road as there are a number of schools located along this street.

“The speed at which people travel this road is horrendous,” he said. He and other residents believe speed humps can reduce the speed of motorists on Langermann Drive and Roberts Avenue.

Calls for measures such as speed humps on this road were rejected by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in the past because this road is classified a class 3 road.

According to the JRA, this means that no traffic calming measures are to be implemented on these roads because they are main arterial routes.

Ms Elaine Thorne, from the Kensington Heritage Trust, compared Langermann Drive and Roberts Avenue to Van Buuren Road in Bedfordview.

“Van Buuren Road has dozens of speed humps. They are a bit of a pain for a road user but they work. If Bedfordview can have speed humps, why is it that we cannot? Yes Roberts Avenue and Langermann Drive is a main arterial route but the street is lined with houses and residents who try to get in and out of their properties. I have seen how some of the motorists ‘fly’ down this street,” she said.

The petition is currently being circulated. E-mail Mr De la Rosa at seanpauldelarosa@gmail.com, for further information.

Ms Bertha Peters-Scheepers, from the JRA, said speed humps are unsuitable on roads carrying high volumes of traffic and public transport vehicles, given the safety risks and effect on mobility.

“One of the main problems associated with speed humps is the varied effect on various sized vehicles and the discomfort it can cause, especially to passengers in public transport and emergency vehicles. The JRA supports the installation of speed law enforcement cameras, warning signs, traffic signals and improved markings,” said Ms Peters-Scheepers.

Surveys conducted on these roads by the JRA revealed that some measures were required and action was taken.

Ms Peters-Scheepers said traffic calming measures have been limited to areas such as Jeppe High Preparatory School in the form of intelligent speed warning lights, signalised pedestrian crossings, education at schools and the assistance of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) with children crossing.

“Improvements to road markings outside the Life New Kensington Clinic are also assisted with the safety of right turn movements into the clinic. Improvements to the traffic signal settings at the Blenheim Street and Roberts Avenue intersection were done to allow for increased pedestrian time to cross Roberts Avenue,” said Ms Peters-Scheepers.

She added that regular surveys are conducted. The most recent survey was conducted in August 2013 outside Jeppe High School for Boys.

“As a result of the survey, the pedestrian crossing will be moved to the north side of the gate. No stopping signs and markings will also be installed on Good Hope Street between Somerset and Highland roads. Permission was granted to the school to convert the crossing to the raised pedestrian table,” said Ms Peters-Scheepers.

She added that warrants for traffic signals have been tested and to date various intersections along the route do not meet the legal requirement.

When asked if more 60km/h signs can be installed on these roads, Ms Peters-Scheepers said the Road Traffic Act states that the legal speed limit on all urban roads is 60km/h unless otherwise posted.