Morning traffic along Cedar Road has become a source of fear rather than routine for parents, learners, and motorists, as repeated crashes, reckless driving, and failing traffic controls turn a busy school intersection into what residents describe as a danger zone.

After months of serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities, the community has come together to demand urgent intervention from city authorities before tragedy strikes again.

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According to Maj Saffari, resident and parent, one can expect a serious accident almost every morning due to speeding and unruly drivers, especially taxis.

Saffari also shared that over the past four months, several alarming incidents have been recorded. “One was a teacher’s car, hit by a speeding taxi that ran a red light, resulting in the MV flipping over and landing on its roof. The second incident was when a group of cyclists was run over by a speeding car, which resulted in a fatality and major injuries to the others.

“The third one was a car containing a mother and a child was hit by a taxi while trying to jump the red traffic light, which forced their car to hit another driver. The little girl was taken to the hospital and had some injuries.”

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He believes the situation is worsened by reckless taxi behaviour, with drivers allegedly ignoring traffic laws under pressure to collect passengers quickly. “The roads have turned into battlefields. I fear for the safety of my family and fellow citizens. Not only are fatal accidents a real risk, but road rage and violence are escalating as tensions rise.”

Residents, along with Ward 93 councillor Rufas Maswazi, a representative from Steyn City School, and concerned parents had an on-site meeting on January 30.

During the visit, the councillor observed several of the issues firsthand, including traffic light malfunctions and taxis illegally using a yellow chevron lane to bypass red lights.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Caught on camera: a minibus taxi drives on the yellow chevron lane to skip a red light at the Cedar Road intersection, highlighting the dangerous driving behaviour residents want stopped. Video: Supplied #Fourways #trafficcontrol ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Maswazi explained that poor traffic light programming is creating conflict between vehicles turning into school roads and those travelling straight through the intersection. “The turning arrow only flashes two or three times, which places parents and motorists in danger.”

He also confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the Gauteng department of roads and transport (GDRT) and that engagements with JMPD are being pursued to improve enforcement and visibility.

Residents are calling for immediate interventions, including synchronised traffic lights, an additional traffic signal to reduce speeding, visible school zone signage, speed cameras, and regular JMPD presence.
Fourways Review reached out to both JMPD and GDRT. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

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