Impromptu gravel road leads to dangerous driving

An “impromptu” gravel road used as a shortcut by motorists in Centurion near the N14 highway has led to several complaints according to the local ward councillor.

Local ward councillor Cindy Billson said in Rooihuiskraal, motorists drive from the N14 highway via an impromptu gravel road to get to the R101 Johannesburg and Lenchen crossing at the Lifestyle Centre, Centurion.

“This gravel road were created by motorists as a shortcut to join with the R101 Johannesburg and Lenchen crossing and could be regarded as an accident zone.

“A series of severe crashes were seen the past few months along this seemingly safe section of the N14.”

Billson said that motorists misjudge their speed when they leave the tar road and lose control of their vehicles on the gravel road.

“The physical height of the tar road is a factor, because it is much higher than the gravel road that you actually get onto.

“These perpetrators then usually burst through the fence of a private owner and cause unnecessary inconvenience and damage.”

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The owner of the fence did not want to comment when contacted by Rekord.

Billson also received complaints about the manner in which motorists drive down Hendrik Verwoerd Road towards the N1.

She said especially when traffic lights are out of order, motorists drive over solid zebra stripes in order to push in front of other cars and cause chaos and more congestion.

“Approximately a week ago there was a serious accident on Friday morning in Hendrik Verwoerd Road due to exactly this kind of driving.

“The accident resulted in an electrical mini-station being damaged which led to a power outage for the entire area.”

According to residents, visibility of traffic police and active prosecution will go a long way to address this issue.

“Traffic in Eldoraigne extension 18 in the mornings between 07:00 and 07:15 is quite challenging due to several factors, of which the biggest is probably the school in the area,” Billson said.

She said she also received complaints from residents that some motorists drive down Memel Street in the mornings, towards Goshawk Street, in the opposing lane, as the cars are lined up and stand stationary due to the congestion.

“They then turn right at the mini-circle at the intersection of Memel and Goshawk streets and then drive down Goshawk Street in the opposing lane. Then, at Estcourt Avenue they turn left by simply pushing in front of other motorists.”

She said she was in the process of approaching the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for assistance in this regard.

“Respectful drivers are frustrated and upset about the way perpetrators drive. We all hate traffic congestion but we have to respect each other.

“Those drivers that disrespect other drivers in this manner must bear the consequences. The preferred option would be a few fines from TMPD.”

Spokesperson for TMPD Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba confirmed they were informed of the N14 complaint.

“We will deal with it like any other complaint we receive in the city and deploy our operational members for law enforcement.

“We warn those who do not comply with rules of the road that they should stop such behaviour immediately because such driving might result in accidents.”

Mahamba said the aim of the TMPD was to create a safer city for all by reducing the number of accidents that take place in all areas.

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