Motorist’s disregard for road rules causes panic for pedestrians in Vorna Valley

For the past 13 years, Elsje Naicker has been living in Vorna Valley with her children who attended school in the area.

As a dedicated mom, she was responsible for dropping them off in the morning and picking them up after school.

Her daily routine involved travelling up and down Harry Galaun Drive using Seventh Road as the main road to and from the school.

However, over the years, the traffic in Midrand has significantly increased due to infrastructural development, resulting in no expansion of traffic control.

Naicker has witnessed the alarming impact of this on pedestrians, especially at the intersection of Seventh Road and Harry Galaun, and Van Heerden Road.

“The area has become a real death trap for pedestrians with no safe place to walk.”

Naicker said peak-time traffic is a nightmare, as taxis would manipulate the roads to their own advantage, without heeding any traffic regulations and making a short journey into the longest trek.

“Vehicles climb the pavements meant for pedestrians to bypass the traffic, without taking into consideration the schoolchildren and other members of the public using the walkways,” she added.

This is just one of the many issues at hand. Motorists are also driving in the wrong lane to bypass the traffic, resulting in climbing pavements on the opposite side of the road. “It has truly become a nightmare for both pedestrians and motorists alike.”

Naicker is concerned about the disregard for rules, regulations, and safety in the area. She believes that something must be done before there is a tragic event resulting in the loss of life.

“The safety of children and the public walking to and from school or the shopping centre should be prioritised as soon as possible.

“My wish for the festive season is to see boulders cemented down along the walkways and any area accessible to motorists from the road.”

Naicker hopes that enough exposure will encourage businesses to open their hearts and donate boulders for this project.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has on several occasions raised concerns with the Joburg Road Agency [JRA] regarding the installation of boulders or bollards in Harry Galaun. Although some bollards were installed, Deppe pointed out that the agency did not have enough bollards to install along the entire length of the road.

In response to this matter, JRA spokesperson Musa Makhalima clarified that the depot is not allowed to install boulders on the sidewalk but rather concrete bollards.

“At the moment, the region is still busy with both MMC service delivery programmes and will assist once done with the programmes,” said Makhalima.

“However, this is lawlessness. [Not obeying road rules], is a driver behaviour problem that needs to be addressed through traffic law enforcement. JMPD can assist while waiting for bollards.”

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department [JMPD] spokesperson, Xolani Fihla confirmed that the JMPD regional office is aware of the matter and officers are conducting sporadic law enforcement and monitoring of the area.

“As for the matter pertaining to the boulders, the JMPD cannot respond to that; it’s best you contact JRA.”

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