Public have their say about speed breakers

Reporters from the Highvelder took to the streets on Friday to find out how the community feels about the speed bumps in Church Street.
Various business owners and motorists commented and it soon became clear that apart from a few minor concerns the speed bumps are welcomed as a positive regulator of traffic flow.
Mr Mannie dos Reis, owner of three businesses close to the newly installed speed breakers, said his customers feel safer when entering or leaving his premises. He did, however, add that, although traffic has slowed down, some motorists still drive across the breakers as if they do not exist.
He even proposed bigger breakers to force drivers of 4x4s, heavy-duty vehicles and company mini-buses to slow down.
Although he says he does not know the laws that stipulate whether the breakers used are legal, he does know that they have had a positive impact on traffic flow and safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
He is not aware of any damage caused to vehicles by the breakers and believes that damage is highly improbable if the barriers are crossed within the speed limit.
Mr Dos Reis suggested that motorists should check their vehicles’ tyre pressure regularly as that could also make a difference.
Another gentleman, who did not want to give his name, was very unhappy about the speed bumps.
He said he hates them and cannot stand the idea of having to slow down so much to be able to drive across them.
The gentleman admitted that something had to be done about the speeding, but seemed unconvinced that the installation of speed breakers was the solution.
Business owner Anita Grobler approves of the breakers and says since they were installed it is easier to turn into the main road.
She added that many 4×4-drivers still do not slow down and suggested a stop at every crossing.
“I think the breakers are a good thing, although some still speed across a breaker without slowing down. Generally, however, they serve their purpose,” an employee at Matrix Warehouse said.
A video clip of traffic across the speed breakers was made by the Highvelder on Friday morning. In it one can see how some motorists slow down, while others simply speed across them.
The video can be seen on the Facebook page of the Highvelder Newspaper.

· On Monday, there was a collision at the intersection of De Emigratie Avenue (extension of Church Street) and Juliana Avenue close to a speed breaker. Motorists at the stop sign in Juliana Avenue at times take advantage of the slower speed of vehicles crossing the breaker to turn into De Emigratie and then find themselves in the way of oncoming traffic that has not slowed down. This is also the case at the intersection of Jansen and Church Street where the speed breaker is also very close to the intersection.