Melville residents push for urgent traffic calming measures along 4th Ave and 7th Street

Residents and business owners in Melville are advocating for traffic calming measures along 4th Avenue and 7th Street, citing growing concerns over pedestrian safety and rising crime rates.

The initiative, led by the Melville Security Initiative (MSI) and supported by the Melville Business Association (MBA), aims to address issues related to speeding vehicles and a surge in phone snatchings in these high-traffic areas.

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Jovana Korac, from the MBA, emphasised the need for these measures, stating, “These areas have been identified due to their significant pedestrian activity and a notable number of reported incidents.”

Proposed enhancements include converting existing pedestrian crossings into raised crossings, installing speed bumps, and redesigning intersections to improve safety. “To facilitate the implementation process, MSI is collaborating closely with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to minimise traffic disruption.”

With support from Hamatimo Consulting Engineers, MSI has conducted evaluations based on the City of Johannesburg’s traffic calming policy, assessing factors such as traffic volumes, pedestrian risks, and vehicle speeds.

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She stated that despite average speeds being recorded at less than 50km/h, residents have reported that speeding becomes problematic during late-night hours, particularly due to nearby nightlife. Alongside traffic calming, MSI is also considering improved street lighting and increased patrols from the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to combat crime.

“Additionally, the initiative includes community awareness campaigns to encourage residents and visitors to stay vigilant. MSI is actively involving the community by circulating petitions, with signatures now standing at 300, and providing updates through local newsletters and social media.”

Funding for the project is anticipated to come from community contributions and potential donations from local businesses. Once approved by JRA and the City Council, the project is expected to take six to eight months to complete, contingent on weather conditions and contractor availability.

JRA acting head of department for mobility and freight Sipho Nhlapo noted that the department receives approximately 80 traffic petitions annually, with investigation reports for these petitions typically completed within 30 days.

As the Melville community rallies for change, the success of the initiative will depend on collaboration with local law enforcement and a phased implementation plan that balances safety improvements with the daily activities of residents.

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