Measures to prevent racing and reckless driving in neighbourhood streets have been actioned within the Subcouncil 2 boundaries of Brackenfell and Kraaifontein.
In a motion accepted at a recent sitting of the subcouncil, the City of Cape Town was requested to reformulate the current traffic calming policy to include the declaration of demarcated areas as traffic calming zones where intersections will be lined with rubber bollards to force vehicles to stop.
Local councillors also supported the call for the City to develop a process whereby communities can submit their own traffic calming plans for their local streets.
This, according to subcouncil chair Marian Nieuwoudt who tabled the motion is due to the ever growing scourge of dangerous driving and traffic accidents.
“The current manner in which the conduct of motorists is being policed is ineffective and risky driving behaviour is increasing uncontrollably while taxis are doing as they wish, the rest follows. There is no respect for any traffic signs or rules,” said Nieuwoudt.
Pedestrians too are endangered as yellow and red barrier lines are disregarded and even pavements used to avoid congestion.
Furthermore, heavy traffic has resulted in the use of alternative routes through residential areas where the same dangerous driving is making neighbourhood streets unsafe.
“These are the areas where children and the elderly should be able to use the roads safely and freely.”
According to Nieuwoudt the current traffic calming policy fails to address the situation as it provides only for traffic calming at community facilities; so those without such facilities are being deprived of finding a road safety solution.
“The City lacks the capacity to ensure continued constant traffic law enforcement in residential areas and to ensure residents their right to a safe environment.
“It is the responsibility of the local authority and administration to offer communities the opportunity of a safe living environment,” she said.
