Foley calls for crackdown on illegal trading along R55
With provincial routes being busier and the speed limit being higher than on regular roads, there should be no distractions or illegal trading happening, and Ward 94 councillor David Foley aims to tackle the issue.
Concerns have been raised over growing illegal trading activity and unauthorised advertising along the busy R55 and Main Road intersection near Kyalami Corner, with Ward 94 councillor David Foley calling for stricter enforcement and compliance with municipal by-laws.
Foley said the area has increasingly become congested with informal traders operating too close to traffic, as well as illegal advertising boards and trailers.
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He warned that this poses a safety risk, particularly during peak traffic periods. Foley engaged directly with traders at the site to address the concerns and explain the legal requirements around trading in public spaces.
During the engagement, some traders reportedly indicated that they understood the concerns and requested a short grace period, with some asking to be allowed until the weekend to sell remaining stock before relocating.
“The issue is not necessarily about people trying to make a living, but rather about ensuring trading happens in the right places and is regulated.
This is a provincial road, a busy one for that matter, and that means it has laws that need to be followed,” said Foley.
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“Most provincial roads are 80km,100km and the municipal roads are 60km per hour, so people should not be stopping to shop on the side of the road because it is dangerous and illegal.”
He said he intends to escalate the matter to JMPD and other relevant authorities to ensure enforcement measures are implemented.
The Midrand Reporter contacted the spokesperson of JMPD, Xolani Fihla, for a comment regarding the matter and will provide an update once a response has been made available.
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