Parents and officials at The King’s School Discovery are calling for urgent traffic calming measures on Kilburn Street, warning that speeding motorists and a poorly positioned pedestrian crossing are putting learners at risk.

The school said about 180 learners use the crossing daily, with the crossing situated directly at the exit of a nearby shopping centre.

During a visit to the school, the Roodepoort Record observed that yield signs, which should legally be placed a few metres before the pedestrian crossing, were positioned directly at the crossing. One of the signs was also damaged.

Also read: Kilburn Street bridge officially opened

There are also no road markings warning motorists that a school is nearby or indicating that drivers should reduce their speed.

According to the school’s principal, Hennie Schoonwinkel, the school has repeatedly approached the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) for assistance, but little progress has been made.

“We are grateful for our scholar patrol person who has helped our learners cross the road safely over the years. However, she will soon be retiring, and there is a possibility that she may not be replaced, which is deeply concerning for us,” he said.

Schoonwinkel said the school is appealing for urgent intervention through the installation of speed humps, clearer road markings or a pedestrian traffic light operating during school hours.

“It feels as though authorities are waiting for someone to get injured before action is taken,” he added.

Parent Michelle Thomson said the pedestrian crossing at the shopping centre exit creates a dangerous situation for learners crossing the road.

Also read: Scholar patrollers keep Discovery Primary learners safe

Thomson further alleged that the crossing was moved a few metres during the construction of the Kilburn Bridge, increasing safety concerns among parents.

“There have already been several incidents reported in this area, and our scholar patrol lady has nearly been knocked over by speeding vehicles on multiple occasions,” she said.

“For the safety of our children, we have escalated this matter numerous times. Are authorities waiting for something tragic to happen before action is taken?” added Thomson.

The Roodepoort Record sent questions to the JRA. No response had been received by the time of publication.