Stop signs disregarded in Standerton
“It is very dangerous and arrogant not to stop. We all live in South Africa and nobody is above the law. It makes me furious.”
Many residents expressed concern over the ignored stop signs in Standerton. The Standerton Advertiser put it to the test on April 18 at 11:02.
We parked at the crossing to Van Wyk Eiendomme in Beyers Naudé Street, put on the hazards, and kept a tally of what motorists do before the stop signs.
An astonishing number of drivers just slowed down on the newly upgraded main route, called by locals a speeding track, some stopped, and the rest just travelled on as if this was a minor nuisance.
Altogether 31 vehicles were seen until 11:09 on the main road. One taxi driver also stopped and picked up a pedestrian.There have been accidents at this crossing.
The newspaper went to a guest house and a busy convenience store in Kerk Street where locals are accommodated according to their needs.
There were no stop signs.
Many locals have expressed their concern about this issue on a WhatsApp group. They believe these are accidents waiting to happen. Nalda Williams, a resident, did not beat about the bush.
“It is very dangerous and arrogant not to stop. We all live in South Africa and nobody is above the law. It makes me furious.”
Wilma Venter, Freedom Front Plus councillor for Ward 10, said on April 18 that if anybody witnesses a stop sign being removed, it should be reported to the police or Kasselman Security Services.
Venter also mentioned the hotspots in town and the number of recent accidents.
“The Freedom Front Plus will write a letter to the municipal manager, Malosi Lamola, requesting a stronger traffic department presence in town,” she added.
According to her, the upgraded roads in town offer an apparent incentive to dice to drivers. Venter recently witnessed it on Walter Sisulu Drive.
DA Ward 8 Clr Alberto Franco said Lekwa has only six traffic officers who work two shifts.
“I have said in council that we need 20 officers who should also be law enforcers,” Franco said.
“They also serve Morgenzon, Thuthukani and Sakhile.”
According to the councillor, the heavy vehicles travelling in town damages upgraded roads and impede traffic flow.
