WHAT sounds like a drag racing event is, according to residents, a near-nightly reality along uMhlanga Rocks Drive, where high-speed driving, revving engines, burnouts and donuts are disrupting communities and raising serious safety concerns.

Residents from Somerset Park and La Lucia say the noise and reckless driving typically start around 22:30 and continue into the early hours of the morning, shattering the ambience of what is usually a quiet, residential area.

Somerset Park resident Charmaine Lee said the area is normally peaceful after 21:00.

“Suddenly, from about 22:30 into the early hours, I hear loud cars revving and racing, sometimes two at the same time. I’m woken out of a deep sleep, often with a shock, and just hope there won’t be an accident,” she said.

Also read: Law enforcement presence steps up on Lagoon Drive

Lee, who has lived in the area for 17 years, said the problem has worsened over the past two years.
“I sleep with my windows open and run a hectically busy business, so rest is important. I’m tired of the noise and the danger to other motorists and residents. It’s such a small stretch of road — how can people be speeding like this?”

She said some vehicles appear to have no number plates and residents have struggled to lodge formal complaints.
“I emailed Metro Police in July and got no response. We need a central space to complain. I’ve even been to two police stations and was told to go to Metro.”

Lee said stricter measures have to be put in place by authorities such as speed cameras, patrols and road blocks, and issuing fines.
“I am even willing to contribute funding towards a speed camera if that’s what it takes. Even calming strips would be great,” she said.

@caxtonlocalmedia Listen closely… That’s not a racetrack. That’s some parts of uMhlanga Rocks Drive after 22.30. Race cars. Supercars. Burnouts. Racing through residential streets and disrupting sleep. Residents have had enough of the noise and are concerned that someone is going to get hurt. Are you affected by this? Let us know in the comments section. #NorthglenNews #Umhlanga #revvingengines ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

Showy and reckless

La Lucia resident Michael Taylor said the racing has had a severe impact on his quality of life.
“It has become very disruptive to my sleep, which affects my day. You wake up in shock from the sudden, loud noise and struggle to get back to sleep as your heart is racing. It’s not just once — they do loops and come back two or three times,” he said.

Also read: Reckless driving and speeding a concern in uMhlanga

Taylor, who lives close to the road, said normal traffic noise has faded into the background over the years, but the late-night racing has been impossible to ignore.
“The loud bangs from turbo engines and roaring cars are very disturbing. It’s made living here unpleasant and sometimes feels unsafe,” he said.

He added that the behaviour appears reckless and showy, often involving high-performance vehicles.

“They rev their engines, you hear them getting closer and closer, and then they race past. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed.”

On a Wednesday morning, when there are many runners on the streets, he said a GTI was racing around recklessly, taking corners so fast that the car was skidding.

“Thank goodness it took the corner when there was a gap in runners as it was going so fast no one would have had a chance to get out of the way,

Taylor said residents want a visible law enforcement response.

“Cars without number plates should be impounded. There needs to be more police presence and traffic calming measures in dangerous sections. Using uMhlanga as a personal race track is unacceptable,” he said.

Reporting channels

Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said the complaints had been noted.

“The matter will be investigated so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted. In the meantime, Metro Police will intensify blue-light patrols to monitor the situation, ensuring the safety of road users and minimising noise disturbances for residents,” he said.

Daryl Oliver, PRO for the Durban North Community Policing Forum, said the forum is working with residents and law enforcement to bring the alleged perpetrators to task.

The CPF has set up a reporting channel on its website where residents can report racing, revving excessively, doing donuts, wheel spinning and the like.

“This system is not meant to replace standard process of reporting to Durban Metro Police and SAPS but to be used in conjunction with it. We will then work with law enforcement to build a case. We do require photographic and video evidence, preferably video evidence,“ he said.

“While it is the responsibility of SAPS and Metro to enforce the law, it is up to residents to report these matters If you have complaints that have fallen on deaf ears, those reference numbers will assist in holding Metro or SAPS accountable,” said Oliver.

He added that another important factor was the follow through.

“Residents complain and when we ask for an affidavit or witness testimony, they shy away. Without this, prosecution cannot take place. We encourage residents to follow the process to the end,” he added.

• To report negligent driving call Durban Metro Police on 031 361 0000.
• To lodge a complaint with the CPF visit: https://dncpf.co.za/carform.

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