Poor road markings frustrate motorists
Road users are vulnerable as road markings which control and direct traffic are not visible on some roads.
For several months, if not more than a year, the road markings on the P200 from Marburg to Margate are barely visible.
Defective road markings are also a concern for motorists travelling along the R102 from Hibberdene to Port Shepstone, on Oscar Borchers from Marburg to Albersville and Sugar Mill Road (Lower Albersville).
A worker who travels from Port Shepstone to Shelly Beach daily raised concerns about the P200.
“It is a nightmare driving along the P200. Road markings help with the flow of traffic and indicate the width of the road. For instance, without road markings, drivers weave across the lanes and drive into oncoming traffic. This could lead to major accidents. It is difficult driving at night or in rainy conditions, especially for motorists who are not familiar with these roads,” he said.
Roland Zulu, who uses the P200 daily, said besides the faded road markings, verges along the P200, Oscar Borchers, Sugar Mill Road, P55 to Bomela, Marine Drive, and R102 have not been cut for some time.
“Uncut verges encroaching onto pavements pose a danger for many pedestrians and learners who are now forced to walk on the road. Why are the relevant departments not doing routine road maintenance? It is their duty to ensure safe, functional and durable roads for all road users, ” he said.
The Department of Transport (DOT) is responsible for the P200, Oscar Borchers, P55, Marine Drive, R102 and Sugar Mill Road.
DoT was contacted for comment, but none was received at the time of going to press.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), potholed streets, inoperative streetlights, blocked stormwater drains, pollution-filled rivers and streams which overflow, and unkept pavement and traffic islands are among the issues that require attention and should be prioritised by local and provincial authorities.
“All too often, human behaviour is blamed for road crashes when, in fact, prevailing road conditions are the culprit. Research shows that there is an upward trajectory showing just how poor road environments contribute to fatal car crashes,” states the AA.
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