Call for Metro Police to step up patrols in uMhlanga
This comes after the uMhlanga ratepayers' body highlighted incidents of reckless driving and general lawlessness in the area.
The Umhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA) has demanded action to improve safety on the roads in the uMhlanga village precinct.
The ratepayers’ body recently met with senior metro police officials where they highlighted drag racing, noise pollution, reckless driving and anti-social behaviour affecting the area.
They said their pleas for enforcement have gone unanswered.
Also read: Illegal u-turns on uMhanga road a safety concern
Several roads including Lagoon Drive, McCausland Crescent, Chartwell Drive and Umhlanga Rocks Drive (going towards the village) were mentioned as problem areas.
URRA chairperson Terri MacLarty said despite being viewed as one of the country’s premier coastal destinations, the current situation was hurting the reputation of the area.
“We felt our engagement with Metro Police was quite a meaningful one. They understood what our issues are and they revealed their hands are tied in terms of resources. What we have called for is a permanent Metro Police presence at night to deter the lawlessness going on.
“The shortage of Metro Police is noticeable especially on weekends and we feel the situation is getting worse in terms of by-laws being broken. This has been a matter consistently raised at community engagements. Metro also suggested we engage the Durban North SAPS as well to strengthen enforcement in the area,” she said.
Also read: Community welcomes guardrail project on Umhlanga Rocks Drive
MacLarty added residents pay substantial rates and taxes with the expectation that they can enjoy their homes in safety and peace.
“Many residents spend their weekends feeling trapped by congestion, disturbed by noise and concerned about the deterioration of public order,” she said.
Ward 35 councillor Bradley Singh, who was also present at the meeting, acknowledged the constraints of Metro Police.
“We also understand that Metro Police resources are limited so they can’t always be in one place all the time. The issues that the ratepayers’ body have raised are mainly on weekends. We also have to acknowledge that restaurants and businesses in the areas contribute to the local economy so we have to strike a balance.”
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