RESIDENTS of Ward 34 have called on the eThekwini Municipality to consider reinstating traffic cameras along Chris Hani Road (North Coast Road) to stop motorists who speed and those who drive through red traffic lights.

Of specific concern are two intersections, Victor Road and Chris Hani Road and Ardrossan Road and Chris Hani Road.

While the City is installing traffic lights at the latter intersection, concerns over motorists ‘jumping’ or driving through red traffic lights still remains.

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Ward councillor Andrew Akkers said he has been inundated with complaints and concerns over speeding.

“You could sit here on a daily basis and see several motorists drive straight through a red traffic light. There have also been a number of fatalities, especially at the Victor Road intersection,” he explained. “I’ve engaged with Metro Police who do have a presence here from time to time but I feel that traffic cameras would be the best solution.

“They used to be here but they were taken away. I feel people would be less willing to break the law if they saw a camera. The ratepayers association for Ward 34 fought hard for the traffic lights currently being installed at the intersection of Ardrossan Road and Chris Hani Road but again the problem of drivers breaking the law will persist,” he said.

Craig Joshua, who runs a business at the Victor Road intersection said he has seen accidents and cars ignoring red lights on a regular basis.

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“We asked for speed-calming measures, whether it’s speed bump ripples or something to slow drivers down. Earlier this year a woman was killed while crossing the road, she had one step to get to the centre island when she was struck. More has to be done to address the speeding,” he said.

His words were echoed by fellow resident and businessman Neil Ramdin.

“I grew up here and I’ve lost count over the number of accidents, fatalities and motorists who just drive through red lights. As a pedestrian this intersection is particularly dangerous. I agree with the councillor, the reinstatement of the cameras would be a deterrent. If you begin to fine motorists for breaking the law then their behaviour would change,” he said.

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