Strict law enforcement needed around Atrium
Action has been taken against people parking illegally outside The Atrium.
ILLEGAL parking in and around The Atrium centre in Overport has become a headache not only for the centre management team, but surrounding residents as well.
Resident, Brian Roodt said the red ‘no stopping’ lines on Peter Mokaba Road outside The Atrium were completely ignored by motorists throughout the day, even by Metro Police and SAPS were guilty of parking their vehicles in this no stopping zone.
“There is a bus stop situated on a red ‘no stopping’ line outside The Atrium and motorists generally ignore red traffic lights at the intersection of Peter Mokaba Ridge and Sparks Road,” he said, adding that motorists also tended to ignore the yellow ‘compulsory right turn’ arrow from Peter Mokaba Ridge (southbound) into Sparks Road.
Roodt’s biggest concern is that the traffic situation would be exacerbated as The Atrium prepares to charge for parking. Centre manager, Gareth Cameron said a parking system was being installed at the centre which would allow for two hours free parking on validation at Checkers, Dis-Chem and Virgin Active.
Cameron pointed out that motorists who illegally parked on the red and yellow lines outside the centre were the responsibility of Metro police. “I do phone them regularly for their assistance and they have been outstanding. When it comes to the loading bays, entrances and the parking at the centre, it is important for the public to know that general rules of the road apply. You are not allowed to park in loading bays, entrances and on red or yellow lines,” he said, adding that motorists who were found parked illegaly on centre property had had their wheels clamped. “The reason we have to do this is for the centre to run smoothly. Once the public starts to work with us, it will be for the betterment of the entire shopping experience,” he said.
According to Cameron, discussions between one of the centre’s tenants and the Parks Department have been held to discuss the possibility of taking over a portion of the park situated at the rear of the centre to be used as a waiting area for delivery trucks.
However, ward councillor Jethro Lefevre, said he was unaware of the proposal to use the park. “I’ve had no confirmation on them using the park. I am concerned that the alley that used to be available to trucks waiting to deliver goods is now difficult to access due to a cold room that has been built in the driveway. I also believe that a more active role should be taken in dealing with errant truck drivers whose actions impact negatively on residents who live around the centre and are ostensibly their patrons,” he said.
He said he had requested Metro Police carry out regular patrols in the area and issue fines to offenders.
