Road users seriously chipped off

SCOTTBURGH motorists are getting stoned… literally.

The R102 was resurfaced earlier this year and motorists have had to fork out thousands ever since to repair their vehicle’s cracked windscreens and bodies dented by flying stones.

Resurfacing began in February on the stretch between the Mpambanyoni River bridge and the intersection of the Scottburgh Mall.

Loose stones still litter that stretch of roadway, while resurfacing continues in both directions.

A local windscreen shop said they had been inundated with customers who have had to replace their windscreens or have chips repaired.

While a chip smaller than 10cm will cost around R285 to repair, replacing a windscreen costs between R1 500 and R20 000.

Panelbeaters also said there had been a sudden spike in work for minor dents caused by flying stones.

The site foreman, who only gave his name as Deon, blamed a number of variables for the loose stones.

In the last week, he said, the cold weather and rain had affected the resurfacing, preventing the stones from sticking to the surface.

“The chip and spray hasn’t settled nicely,” he said.  He also blamed the flying stones on motorists driving at excessive speeds rather than the recommended 40km/h, as indicated on the signs. He maintained that the workmanship was above board.

One angry motorist told the Mail that he also confronted the foreman and was merely told to ‘join the queue’. Many are now opting to drive the long way round on the highway to avoid the stones.

“The road is in worse condition than before they resurfaced it,” said one irate motorist who showed us his cracked windscreen. “It even has brand new potholes.”

The Mail tried to contact the Provincial Department of Roads, however, our reporter was placed on hold, never to be answered again.