Traffic circles are the way to go

Recently there have been comments and opinions made about the need to install more traffic lights on our roads.
In my view traffic lights don’t always solve the motoring problems they are meant to. There are positives to traffic lights. They generally require less land, and are therefore quick to fit. However they do not prevent bad drivers from jumping the lights.
Traffic circles force all motorists to slow down. They also eliminate major collisions between vehicles. Circles don’t suffer from load shedding, and street vendors and beggars are not attracted to them. Circles are also a good test for goods vehicles, as the turning movement shakes up any loose loads.
The traffic circles on the M4 north at Desainagar, Casuarina and Westbrook Beach have virtually stopped deaths at these intersections. The only people who suffer this fate are those drivers who fall asleep or are drunk and no one else gets hurt.
As your beachfront Councillor, I would like to thank the thousands of residents and visitors, who came to Umdloti, La Mercy, Casuarina and Westbrook Beach over the Christmas and New Year holidays. You were magnificent. On many days there was “wall to wall” people, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The only down side was the drowning at the La Mercy lagoon, on New Year’s Day and the broken glass mess on 16 December. Both caused by alcohol!
Our officials put in an extra effort and controlled traffic, parking and swimmers. I have received many compliments and thanks from the public, and through your newspaper wish to pass these on to our lifeguards, metro police, beaches dept and DSW cleaners. Thank you.

CLLR GEOFF D A PULLAN
Westbrook