Forum still hunting solutions

ENSURING roads are safe to users requires more than just talk. The Magoebaskloof Community Forum (MCF) knows this, which is why they are constantly in contact with several road agencies and traffic departments to ensure plans discussed become actions.

On August 27 they met first with A.J. Eloff, who attended on behalf of Vicky Khumalo, head of the provincial traffic department, who was unable to attend the meeting, and Khumalo’s secretary.

They then met with Marius Nel, contracting engineer for SANRAL.

Several possibilities were discussed, including the reduction of the speed limit along the pass to 60 km/h. Eloff agreed that the speed limit should be reduce but Nel said this would require an assessment by SANRAL.

Cilla Wildgoose, a member of the MCF, said she had been told the assessment had been done and 60 km/h agreed upon.

She was not in possession of the documentation pertaining to this at the time, but would locate the letter from SANRAL.

Craig Carolan, also for the MCF, requested the speed limit in front of Stanford Lake College be reduced to 60 km/h as he has already written a motivational letter to SANRAL in February but received no reply. Nel said he would follow up.

In response to the lack of visible policing, Eloff said overtime constraints limit the hours traffic police are able to patrol, but that he will schedule more patrols along the route. This should take about two weeks to arrange.

Nel confirmed a sign prohibiting large trucks from using the R71 has been placed at the exit from the N1 in Polokwane.

He also said that additional signage along the pass was budgeted for and they hope to have it in place in September.

The MCF formed after a public meeting held on August 12 to discuss safety concerns along the R71 and is made up of members of the community. Anyone wanting to be a part of the forum can contact Ralph Humphreys at 082 456 3487 or 082 335 6803.