Lighthouse Rd to be filled with speed humps

ALL systems are go for speed humps along Lighthouse Road as a deterrent to speedsters, but more work is needed if the Bluff is to be a safer place for road users.

There has been a call for traffic calming measures along the stretch of road between Donegal Road and Smith Drive for many years. Bluff ward councillor, Duncan Du Bois originally received confirmation of the measures in May, after calling for calming measures for the entire road. “Although I was originally informed the installing of speed humps on Lighthouse Road would commence late in August, I have since been told that the tender for the job will be finalised only by the end of September.

“That means construction is unlikely to take place much before the end of the year. Although the delay is regrettable, the end result will put a stop to speeding along the straight section of the road, where four speed humps are scheduled to be constructed,” said Du Bois.

Bluff Ratepayers Association chairman, Ivor Aylward said the speed humps are long overdue and more are needed to control the local racers.

“It will definitely have an impact on the speed close to the school (Fynnlands Primary). However, we really need speed calming measures near Louden Road. The bus stop there, which caters to Bushlands pupils was upgraded at our request, but without protective railings. I witnessed a terrible accident at that bus stop where two children were badly hurt,” said Bluff Community Policing Forum chairman, Carl Knauff.

According to Community Safety Organisation chairman, Rake Jeeves, the speed humps are necessary. “There have been many accidents there and one resident in particular has had his wall taken out more than once. More humps are needed in the stretch that runs up to the army base too. The downside is that there are so many speed humps on the Bluff now that they ruin people’s shock absorbers and more seriously, slow down reaction time for emergency services. I think the municipality is not doing its job properly in that they could employ more Metro Police traffic officals but it’s easier for them to build speed humps everywhere.”

A number of complaints with regards to the current speed humps has seen Du Bois argue the Bluff’s case, with some success: “It is pleasing to note that the speed humps outside Brighton Beach Primary in Marine Drive have been replaced with ones that are more uniform in design, after I lodged objections.”

– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za