As a matter of priority, the provincial transport and public works department is currently considering a request from the public to install traffic lights at the intersection of Botfontein and Bottelary roads in Kraaifontein, bordering Brackenfell.
Motorists who use this busy intersection daily are at their wits’ end.
Marius Niemand says he first lodged a complaint to authorities a year ago, requesting a traffic light at the intersection.
“I immediately received a response saying that the issue will be investigated and an outcome be sent to me. Unfortunately that is where it ended,” he says.
“I challenge any of them to go see what it looks like there in the mornings. Traffic on Botfontein Road that has to join Bottelary Road is backed up for about 2 km if I have to estimate.
“Congestion results in taxis and other motorists creating a three-way road on a two-way road as they travel into oncoming traffic.
Responding to a media inquiry from TygerBurger the department stated that it has taken note of the concerns of motorists and the request for a traffic signal at the intersection.
“The department can confirm that the City of Cape Town has indicated that the intersection would benefit from a traffic signal. The provincial government is in the process of devolving certain roads to the City of Cape Town and this request will hence be considered once this devolution process is completed,” says departmental spokesperson Jandré Bakker.
Niemand says a traffic pointsman would go a long way in easing the congestion in the meantime.
“But it has been said that there is a shortage of traffic officers, so yes, again a dead- end street. One no longer knows where to complain and what to do.”
The department could not at this time indicate how much longer it will take for the devolution process to be completed.
“It depends how long the consultation process takes and whether there are any appeals. It is therefore not possible to put a definite end date. We are treating the devolution process as a priority,” says Bakker.
