A DURBAN North resident has raised her concerns over the congestion and close crashes on the corner of Pembroke and Prospect Hall roads. Rozanne Armstrong will be holding a public meeting in the hopes of the city’s engineering department finding a solution to the traffic problems caused at Durban North College. Many parents have to park on the verges due to the lack of a drop-off zone.

Armstrong said the history of the school was designed to serve pupils walking on foot to the school, but its diversification has meant a larger number of pupils now attend the school.

The despondent resident said she felt the eThekwini Municipality and the Education Department were not taking the matter seriously.

“Someone is going to die or be seriously injured there very soon. The residents of Pembroke Road have a raw deal. Their verges are completely ruined and the traffic is hectic in the morning. Driveways and turning circles are used as parking bays.

“The current school management and parents of Durban North College are not responsible for the way the actual school was originally designed and planned. For the eThekwini Municiplaity and the education department to wash their hands of this situation, claiming that the problem is solely for the school to resolve, is laughable and I do not accept this at all,” she said.

Armstrong said the education department has the duty to ensure that children’s rights are being respected. She added that there had been two accidents this year alone and a number of fender benders over the years.

“Most of us are residents of Durban North and we pay some of the highest rates in the whole of the city. Surely the city can ensure the safety of our children? To expect the parents of this school to fund a drop-off zone is absolutely ridiculous. Having a safe drop zone is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” she said.

Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, urged residents to attend the public meeting to raise their issues and concerns.

“The safety of school children is paramount. This problem of traffic congestion is not unique to Durban North College. However, there have been two accidents at the intersection of Pembroke and Prospect Hall Road. The congestion has caused a knock-on effect for the surrounding residents.

“My hope is that the meeting may shed some light on a possible engineering solution to help the issue,” he said.

A public meeting will be held on 29 July at 7pm (6.30pm for 7pm). Residents and parents are encouraged to attend the meeting. Carlos Esteves, roads systems manager at the eThekwini Traffic Authority (ETA) will be representing the city.