Despite a petition submitted in 2021 requesting safety interventions along Jim Fouché Road and Skateboard Street, traffic dangers remain high.

“Cars are still speeding, pedestrians can’t cross safely, and accidents keep happening. Nothing has changed,” said Margaret Basson, a resident of Skateboard Street.

She added that residents previously gathered signatures on a petition and submitted it to the City of Johannesburg, requesting traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, but no action has been taken.

Basson explained that motorists often struggle to access either road at the intersection, as cars travelling up or down Jim Fouché speed through the area, leaving little opportunity for those on Skateboard Street to enter the road.

“It causes major traffic, especially in the morning when parents are driving their children to school or leaving for work,” she said.

• Read the initial article here: Corner of Jim Fouche and Road 1 again in spotlight after two vehicles crash through boundary wall

Earlier this month, a crash occurred at the same intersection. Basson said they heard a loud bang and knew an accident had happened, prompting them to contact emergency response teams. Crash debris, including shattered glass and car bumper pieces, can still be seen on the road. In previous incidents, the wall of a nearby lodge has also suffered damage multiple times.

Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe said that since taking office in August 2024, he had been unaware of the 2021 petition, had no record of its number in his office, and was unaware of any accidents in the area. Shawe emphasised that he needs the petition details to follow up with the city and that he is not aware of any planned traffic-calming measures or speed monitoring along Jim Fouché Road.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirmed that a traffic study was undertaken following the 2021 petition.

The study assessed traffic volume, pedestrian and cyclist activity, safety, and road layout. However, Jim Fouché Road is classified as a Class 3 main arterial road, designed to carry high volumes of traffic efficiently between urban districts.

“Traffic calming on Class 3 roads is not suitable,” said Sipho Nhlapo, acting head of the Department of Mobility and Freight at JRA.

“It would reduce traffic flow, increase congestion, risk diverting traffic to neighbouring roads, cause discomfort for bus passengers, and slow emergency vehicles.”

While infrastructure solutions such as speed humps are not permitted on Jim Fouché, the JRA has recommended that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department increase law enforcement to address speeding.

“We also use road safety education through community outreach to improve driver behaviour,” Nhlapo added.

He confirmed that there are no planned upgrades or traffic-calming projects for this road in the current or upcoming financial year. Funding for such interventions is generally limited and prioritised for areas near schools and community facilities. Projects not implemented immediately are placed on a priority list for future financial years.

Basson remains frustrated, insisting that the dangers are ongoing and that residents must use alternative routes to avoid the traffic.