The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Region A operational management has confirmed that traffic authorities are acting on complaints about motorists driving off the main carriageway along Pitts Avenue (R55).

According to residents and motorists, an unauthorised route alongside the road between Kyalami Estate and Kyalami Racetrack has created an illegal third lane used by taxis and private motorists bypassing stationary traffic.

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Ria Sebetsa Security Services CEO Danny Maduray previously said the situation creates severe hazards for road users. “It’s an illegal third lane that has been created by motorists, especially taxis, and now, of recent, our normal civilians are taking advantage of this illegal lane,” said Maduray. Maduray described the route as a corrugated dirt road, adding that the growing use of the informal lane contributes to congestion and air pollution.

In response, JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the department received reports of reckless driving, including motorists using unauthorised dirt sections and pedestrian pathways to bypass peak-hour congestion.

“Driving on shoulders, road verges, or pedestrian walkways is illegal under the National Road Traffic Act. JMPD officers must conduct targeted enforcement along the R55 and the Pitts Avenue and Allandale Road intersection, issuing heavy fines to motorists caught driving off the road, overtaking dangerously, or disobeying road traffic signs,” he explained.

Fihla said the traffic congestion in the area is driven by several factors, including high traffic volumes during peak hours, occasional traffic signal disruptions, and poor driver behaviour.

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“While heavy traffic creates frustration, it does not justify illegal manoeuvres. Impatience and reckless choices, such as mounting verges or distracted driving, directly jeopardise the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”

He said JMPD officers, in collaboration with traffic free flow Outsurance pointsmen, are routinely deployed to manage traffic flow along the corridor.

Due to current operational resource constraints across the metropolitan network, dedicated enforcement sweeps targeted at Pitts Avenue take place approximately once a week. “While resource limitations restrict a permanent daily static deployment at this specific node, officers will continue to integrate random, high-visibility enforcement operations and peak-hour point duty along the R55 as resource allocation permits.”

JMPD strongly appeals to all road users to exercise patience, practice responsible driver behaviour, and adhere strictly to the rules of the road. Fihla added that motorists and residents are advised to adjust their travel times by leaving earlier to mitigate peak-hour delays. “Distractions such as using mobile devices while driving and taking unsafe shortcuts must be avoided at all costs to protect pedestrians and fellow motorists.”

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