Residents of Samantha Way in Framesby have raised the alarm over escalating speeding issues, with recent incidents involving property damage and fatal accidents.
An anonymous resident expressed concerns about the reckless driving behaviour in the area. According to the resident, the situation has reached a critical point, with vehicles reportedly speeding through the neighbourhood, posing a significant threat to public safety.
In the past two months alone, the resident claims two neighbouring houses bore the brunt of speeding drivers, as cars allegedly crashed through their walls, resulting in extensive property damage, and raising fears of potential injuries or fatalities. The incidents have left residents deeply unsettled and anxious about the state of road safety in their community.
Furthermore, the resident highlighted the perilous conditions at the Frikkie Kotze intersection, where at least two fatal motorcycle accidents have allegedly been recorded recently. The intersection, marked by a traffic light, has become a hotspot for accidents, drawing concerns over its design and management.
Adding to the concerns, the resident also noted witnessing motorcyclists engaging in dangerous stunts, such as performing “wheelies”, while speeding down Samantha Way.
Residents are calling for speed bumps to be put up, or traffic calming measures to mitigate the risks associated with speeding and reckless driving.
“I have had numerous meetings and discussions with municipal officials around what can be done to address the speeding,” said Ward 9 Councillor, Heinrich Muller, in response to these developments. “They (metro officials) are not in support of traffic calming measures, as they said the classification of the road does not allow it. I have requested barriers to be installed on the side of the road at those sections where all these accidents occur, as a “buffer” to protect the properties of motor vehicles crashing into the walls/houses/properties and the biggest fear, the residents.
“I have further requested that the possibility be investigated to build a ‘mini’ traffic circle at the intersection of Samantha Way and Sydney Street, just to force the motorist to slow down. Unfortunately, budget is always an issue, and with the last budget our ward was not even allocated budget for traffic calming measures, but the reality is we have unfortunately motorists that are speeding and driving recklessly down this road, and the accidents and speeding increased when the municipality removed the permanent camera on this road,” Muller added.
“At least the camera had the effect of forcing more motorists to slow down, but in this municipality the contracts for the cameras was stopped/not renewed. This is why you see more and more motorists speeding on our roads, as we have hardly any law enforcement. Our traffic department is facing daily issues of shortage of staff, vehicles, etc., and at least these cameras did assist with ‘law enforcement’.”
“In conclusion, our request as stated above, we will continue to drive it until the necessary budget is allocated, and action is taken by the municipality to ensure the residents staying along this section of the road is safe.”
