Ward 94 councillor David Foley took Johannesburg’s municipal by-laws to heart when politely confronted a truck driver parked on a pedestrian walkway along Lonehill Boulevard.

The interaction was calm but direct, with Foley using the opportunity to remind the driver why keeping pedestrian walkways clear matters.

Read more: Potholes rule the roads in Ward 94

The driver, Mpho Mashao, who had temporarily parked on the walkway to take a break, explained that he could not find a suitable parking spot and apologised after Foley pointed out the danger the obstruction posed to pedestrians.

“I really apologise. I do know that it is wrong.” Mashao told Foley, adding that he had not realised the implications and would not do it again.

Foley pointed to the road where pedestrians were being forced to walk around the vehicle. “You see where we have to walk now, on the road? And if somebody knocks me over?” he asked the driver.

Also read: JRA is fixing Ward 94’s streets

Foley said the issue was not about confronting motorists, but about encouraging greater respect for pedestrians and adherence to municipal by-laws.

“Please, just think about the pedestrians, because we need to have more respect for our pedestrians who also use the roads. It is not safe for them if you park like this because you force them to walk into the busy road.”

He highlighted that pedestrians, runners, and other people using the walkway should not have to move into the road due to illegally parked vehicles.

Foley also linked the importance of accessible pedestrian spaces to the broader efforts to make the area more walkable and comfortable, including tree planting to provide shade as temperatures rise.

The exchange ended amicably, with Foley and the driver wishing each other well.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!