Are ‘robots’ needed at intersections on Trafford Road?
Following complaints, traffic signal assessments are being considered for several busy Trafford Road intersections.
ROAD users who frequent Trafford Road in Pinetown have requested that the eThekwini Municipality assess whether traffic signals (commonly called robots) are required for some intersections in the area.
The municipality’s Marketing and Communications director Mandla Nsele confirmed that the city had received these requests on May 27.
The requests include assessments for traffic signals to be installed at the intersections of Trafford and Alexander roads, Trafford and Henry Pennington roads, as well as Trafford and Motala roads.
Road users had pointed out that without robots at these intersections, traffic congestion arises, with an additional claim made that Metro Police “are not on duty on most days”, which worsens the situation because “Trafford Road is a very busy road”.
Nsele said the municipality is yet to receive “traffic count data” for the intersection at Trafford and Alexander roads, which once received, “a traffic signal warrant assessment will be undertaken”.
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“The Trafford Road and Henry Pennington Road intersection presents significant challenges for signalisation due to its close proximity to an existing set of traffic signals, located approximately 20m away. This limited distance provides insufficient space for vehicle queuing and turning movements.
“As a result, signalisation at this intersection is not considered a viable option at this stage. Alternative traffic management solutions will therefore be explored in consultation with the relevant municipal directorates.
“In addition, the intersection of Trafford Road and Motala Road has been added to the assessment request list for consideration,” said Nsele.
According to road users, “vehicles that are turning right into Motala Road cannot gain access because of oncoming traffic. The traffic builds up on Trafford Road past the Engen Service Station thus causing congestion to the vehicle travelling south. Vehicles that are exiting Motala Road cannot turn left or right to gain access onto Trafford Road.”
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