City vows action on ‘death trap’ junction
‘WE are in the process of installing the traffic lights at the EcoJunction precinct.’
That’s the assurance this week from City of uMhlathuze Head of Communications, Mdu Ncalane.
‘It has been a concern of the council and has been reiterated by the mayor that traffic lights and traffic calming measurements be put in place in that area.
‘However, the hindrances were application processes towards the approval by the Provincial Department of Transport, which has not yet been officially communicated to the city.
‘The city procured the material upon approval by council to install the traffic lights and awaited the final approval.
‘The department has tentatively approved the application and the lights will be installed in the next few weeks.
‘It must also be noted that the process to install traffic lights also considers electricity cabling and connections and some environmental considerations, which necessitates a period of a month to finally install and commission.’
However, Ncalane hastened to add that erection of robots at the EcoJunction would not solve all the problems.
‘In as much as the installation is highly required, the reckless driver behaviour in general in that area as well as on the entire John Ross/R34 stretch is unbecoming.
‘The city has increased visibility as well as deployed speed timers on an occasional basis to curb the over speeding.
‘This is more evident at night and especially on weekends.
‘We urge all motorists to be more vigilant, keep to the speed limit and adhere to all rules of the road to protect themselves and other road users.
‘The issue of road safety is not only for authorities but for the road users who have a huge responsibility as drivers, passengers and commuters.’