Speed humps, not a solution to accidents on Edward Road
SOPHIATOWN – Speed humps on Edward Road could have a major adverse effect on emergency vehicles.
The cause of accidents on the corner of Edward Road and Millar Street has become a huge concern to the residents.
Ward 86 Councillor Steve Kotzé said residents from the flats in Limpopo Complex will not walk to the traffic lights but simply cross the busy road.
The accident that claimed the lives of two people on 27 November at the intersection brought the situation to light.
“I tried to make arrangements with the authorities about two years ago. I have asked JMPD and Joburg Road Agency to do an assessment on that road and various roads in the ward,” Councillor Kotzé explained.
He further indicated that residents should also comply and look at the problem within context rather than always complaining.
Councillor Kotzé insisted that JRA indicated that they would not install obstacles, such as speed humps, since it was a connecting road that was always busy.
“Residents are knocked down but we need law enforcement agencies to monitor the road regularly. Authorities are reluctant but we need to look at the causes of the problem not the symptoms,” concluded Kotzé.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said it was a signalised intersection with road markings and signs. She explained that driver behaviour was the main problem.
“Road users, both pedestrians and motorists, are requested to adhere to the rules of the road,” she said.
She further explained that speed humps alone would not change driver behaviour, but communities through structures such as street committees, ward committees, taxi associations and CPFs can discuss the speeding issues and the culprits could be identified and reported to the police.
“Speed humps are not suitable on roads carrying high volumes of traffic and on roads where the acceptable speed of the majority of vehicles is above a certain level which can also lead to an increase in noise and vibration levels. This is due to the brake and acceleration of vehicles, especially heavy vehicles,” she said.
Peters-Scheepers concluded that on roads where mobility was the primary function, the use of speed humps were not recommended and could have a major adverse effect on emergency vehicles.
Details: JRA 011 298 5023; Ward 86 Councillor Steve Kotze 083 654 6547.
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