School run traffic ‘is a nightmare’

Despite efforts by the Polokwane Municipality’s traffic officers who are working officials from the provincial department, school traffic at the circle in Dalmada continues to be a nightmare for motorists driving from the R71 and those staying in the area.

A resident who did not want to be named says while otherwise traffic runs smoothly, it is the early morning school run that poses a problem.

“Traffic starts at about 06:30 in the mornings and it is a nightmare to maneuvre around until about 08:00. It is only after 08:00 that the roads become quieter again.”

Since the start of the festive season last year, traffic officials have been stationed at the circle to assist, but the source says the assistance is mostly for those coming from the R71 and not from Dalmada’s side.

“Some motorists driving from the R71’s side have started a diversion route through Dalmada which causes traffic in our streets.” She says that motorists driving from Nobody on the R71 take a right at the traffic lights in Dalmada, driving into the gravel road all the way around until they reach the circle and then rejoin the R71 from there.

Municipal communications manager Matshidisho Mothapo has confirmed that there is an influx of vehicles coming from both Dalmada and Mankweng into the city during peak times in the morning and afternoon. He says they have observed that traffic gets congested as most motorists are on the road between 06:30 and 07:30.

“This is also because many parents opt to ferry their own children to school for various reasons. The R71 carries all traffic leading to N1 with no alternative corridors into the city that would assist in easing traffic congestion. There are officers on duty daily in an effort to alleviate unnecessary congestion and ensure free flow of traffic.”

Mothapo has encouraged motorists to travel earlier than the peak time and in line with the national traffic strategy, and said lift clubs is also encouraged where possible.

“It should however be noted that traffic officers are ensuring their level best to ease the current predicament. The municipality will continue to work with the department on this road to come up with better solutions.”

He says the municipality will engage the provincial department to deploy more traffic officials so that there can be enforcement on those who infringe on the road rules.