Frustrated residents in the Weltevreden Park area around Jim Fouche Road and Skateboard Street have signed a petition to address traffic concerns that have endangered motorists and pedestrians. The petition is addressed to the Johannesburg Road Agency and addresses the high traffic volumes, with many of the motorists not adhering to the speed limit of 60km/h.
The petition states, “Over the past five years the amount of traffic on Jim Fouche, specifically between roads 1 and 3 (this includes the intersection to Skateboard Street), Weltevreden Park, has increased significantly. As a result of the high volume in traffic, motorists and pedestrians trying to get into or across Jim Fouche from the abovementioned entry points, put themselves at high risk. Based on observations and the number of accidents happening at the Skateboard Street and Jim Fouche Road intersections (facts – 18/2/21, 31/1/21, 28/9/20, 6/5/20 – two accidents, same day, 15/12/19 and more), it is very clear that motorists do not adhere to the maximum speed limit of 60km/h.”
Margaret Basson, who lives on Skateboard Street, said in the petition they bought up accidents that have happened on that road in the last few months to show the trend of incidents. “People are getting injured and pedestrians cannot cross the road. Our biggest concern is when the cars overturn, which they often do because of the high pavement, they end up in the open field nearby. It won’t take much for a car to go through the walls. The reality is that we have tried everything but we haven’t gotten anywhere.”
Basson said the loud bang of cars crashing has become a part of their everyday lives. “It’s become normal now. We grab a blanket and some water and go out to see what we can do, and stand there until emergency personnel arrive on the scene. We are so used to them that when they happen now, we sometimes just say ‘yet another one’. It is sad for me to say that because surely we don’t want to react that way. If that’s the norm, then I am concerned.”
Ward 89 councillor, Amelia Bester said there were several routes communities could follow if they wish to have traffic-calming measures installed. They could applying through the community-based planning leg of the integrated development planning process. “This process runs annually, but traditionally residents don’t participate in spite of being invited. It must also be mentioned that during our term in office, few funds have been made available in the City’s budget allocations for traffic-calming measures.” Bester added that the last resort would be self-funding, for which a feasibility study is to be done by a traffic engineer.
The resident said they have attempted numerous times to get in touch with JRA officials, to no avail.
