Non-functional traffic lights give motorists headaches in Kempton Park
The Kempton Express has received several complaints about the traffic lights at the Pomona and High roads and Atlas Road and Bonaero Drive intersections.
Kempton Park motorists have again raised concerns about the traffic lights at key intersections that do not work, causing significant traffic disruptions.
They also blame the broken traffic lights for increased vehicle accidents.
The Kempton Express has received several complaints about the traffic lights at the Pomona and High roads and Atlas Road and Bonaero Drive intersections.
Motorists travelling these routes during peak hours find navigating it increasingly difficult and dangerous, with many calling for additional intervention.
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Petro Posthumus expressed frustration with the traffic light issues at Pomona and High roads.
“We urgently need help with a traffic light that’s been out for months. It causes heavy morning and night traffic.
“There were already a few accidents. Crossing that intersection is a fear for us daily. Road users are unsure how to behave when the lights are out.”
Posthumus said, occasionally, pointsmen from OUTsurance help direct the traffic, but their presence is temporary, leaving the intersection problematic again.
“It is a big intersection, and no action has been taken for months. We hope someone does something before it costs a life.”
In a similar complaint, motorist Karin Schoeman reported issues at the Atlas Road and Bonaero Drive intersection, describing it as a perilous and busy crossing.
“Since October 11, I have reported the lights, but nothing has changed,” Schoeman said.
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“It’s a busy intersection, and to cross from one side to the other, you have to navigate across eight lanes – four from each direction.”
Schoeman recalled a close call on November 6, when a motorist almost hit her because of the lack of proper traffic control.
“Sometimes, we must rely on our hooters because people drive without caution,” she added.
A crash was reported at the intersection in early November.
Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the CoE, addressed the concerns.
“These two intersections fall under the jurisdiction of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDoRT), so it is responsible for maintaining and optimising the traffic signals,” he said.
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“The city is aware that the traffic signals are not working, and we reported the issue to GDoRT multiple times.”
He said the EMPD’s role is not limited to traffic management but includes crime fighting and law enforcement.
However, the city does deploy manpower to assist when urgent traffic control is needed.
Dlamini advised the Kempton Express to contact the provincial office to enquire about plans to fix the lights.
“In the meantime, drivers must exercise caution and patience. Motorists must treat these intersections as four-way stops, meaning they must give each other the right of way accordingly,” he added.
The Kempton Express awaits comment from the GDoRT, and any response to the enquiries sent will form part of future coverage.
