There are no new road markings on the R555 – only a blunt message from an angry motorist to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) about the awkward positioning of the speed humps.

Witbank News reports that over the weekend, someone used white paint and painted the word P*** across the road surface.

”While I do not agree with the method used by spray-painting public infrastructure or resorting to vulgar language to express frustration, this incident does reflect the broader sentiment and growing frustration of the general public since the speed humps were installed on the R555 Old Middelburg Road,” says ward councillor Maureen Scheepers.

“For many residents and road users, this has become a daily struggle, with kilometres of traffic congestion where none previously existed, all stemming from a single noise complaint from a resident living adjacent to a provincial road,” adds Scheepers.

The speed humps were erected after a resident in an estate complained that he could not sleep at night because of the traffic on the busy road.

Watch the video here:

Sanral said the speed humps are effective.

“Since the installation of the two speed humps on the section of the R555 Road, it can be confirmed that the installations have been effective in reducing the speed and subsequently, the noise. This can also be confirmed through email feedback, which was received from the complainant, dated 10 December 2025,” says Sanral spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela.

But, fellow residents do not share the same sentiment. They said they are now deprived of sleep because cars and trucks slam on brakes in front of the speed humps.

Mahlasela says the speed humps are just a trial and once the situation has been monitored sufficiently, a report will be drafted to that effect. Further calls will be made once the report has been submitted.

This is scheduled to be completed end of February.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.