Councillor calls for change in Westmead
The safety of pedestrians and motorists has been a cause for concern after numerous defective traffic lights were reported in the area.
DEFECTIVE robots at the intersection of Goodwood and Hillclimb Road in Westmead has become a major concern for residents as they are worried for the safety of learners who cross the busy intersection to get to school.
The DA PR councillor for ward 15, Marlaine Nair, said it was a recurring problem that was due to a defective cable that will soon be replaced.
“I am told there are various reasons that contribute to defective robots. Some of them are cable faults caused by digging in the area or old infrastructure, ants in poles, knocked down poles or vandalism, whereby vagrants short out the signal to cause it to flash which then allows them to direct traffic and collect money from motorists for performing this task. I urge motorists to please refrain from handing out any money to those directing traffic,” said Nair.
ALSO READ: Motala Heights residents surrounded by raw sewage
At major intersections, where a gridlock could be formed when robots don’t work during power outages, UPSs (uninterrupted power supply) were previously installed.
“These enable the robot to switch to battery usage. This was stopped for a while because of theft. There are now new mechanisms to secure these UPSs. In time, this will be rolled out to other intersections as well,” said Nair.
Residents are urgent to report all defective robots so repairs can begin timeously. Reports can be lodged telephonically at 080 131 3013 or via email to Ashvir.Harcharan@durban.gov.za. Emails received after hours and on weekends will be attended to promptly.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
