There are no new road markings on the R555. It is a clear message from an angry motorist to Sanral that they are fed up with the awkward position of the speed humps on the R555.

Over the weekend someone used white paint and painted the word P*** across the road surface.

”While I do not agree with the method used by spray-painting public infrastructure or resorting to vulgar language to express frustration, this incident does reflect the broader sentiment and growing frustration of the general public since the speed humps were installed on the R555 Old Middelburg Road,” said ward councillor, Maureen Scheepers.

She added: “For many residents and road users, this has become a daily struggle, with kilometres of traffic congestion where none previously existed, all stemming from a single noise complaint from a resident living adjacent to a provincial road.”

The speed humps were erected after a resident in Clear Water Estate complained that he could not sleep at night because of the traffic on the busy road.

Sanral said the speed humps are effective.

“Since the installation of the two speed humps on the section of the R555 Road, it can be confirmed that the installations have been effective in reducing the speed and subsequently, the noise. This can also be confirmed through email feedback, which was received from the complainant, dated 10 December 2025,”said Lwando Mahlasela, Sanral spokesperson.

Spoedhobbel-ergernis, motoriste het nou genoeg gehad
https://t.co/q7wTPuIRtF #R555 #spoedhobbels #Emalahleni #witbanknews pic.twitter.com/qsjC7TjiAW

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) January 30, 2026

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

But, fellow residents do not share the same sentiment. They said they are now deprived of sleep because cars and trucks slam on brakes in front of the speed humps.

READ MORE HERE: R555 speed hump – Sanral is doing a test run

Mahlasela said the speed humps are just a trial and once the situation has been monitored sufficiently, a report will be drafted to that effect. Further calls will be made once the report has been submitted.

This is scheduled to be completed end of February.

Scheepers said the final outcome will be provided this week.

R555 frustrations – speed hump is causing a lot of traffic congestion
Read more here: https://t.co/Y2KApxUvwv#witbanknews #witbank #R555 pic.twitter.com/xsHAuYNzvX

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) November 26, 2025

READ MORE HERE: R555 drivers cheer removal of problematic speed hump

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