A recent motor vehicle accident at a traffic circle in Bothasig has raised renewed concerns about the apparent lack of warning signals at the site.
In the last accident, the vehicle landed on its side after the driver slammed into the sidewalk. It is believed that the female driver of the vehicle only sustained injuries to her hand.
The accident was reported at Bothasig Police Station.
Lt Col Jeremy Pieterse, Bothasig Police Station Commander, confirmed that the accident occurred on 11 February, and that the only information they have now is that it was a black Audi A1, of which the driver lost control.
The traffic circle is located on Plattekloof Road and De Grendel Avenue and has been the site of several similar incidents over the past few years.
Two women lost their lives in March 2020 when the vehicle they were travelling in crashed at the very same circle.
The crosses which were put up in honour of the victims have since been removed.
Residents in Bothasig say they fear that this is not the end.
Derek Serra, a community leader, says he is aware of the accidents and deaths linked to the circle on Plattekloof Road.
“We requested that flashing warning lights be erected on the approach from the Plattekloof side as the road bends to the right and drivers not familiar with the road only have 50m or less to stop when they see the circle. At night, because the circle is not well lit, this results in accidents.
“Other big circles in Bellville and Parow have flashing warning lights on the approach roads, so why does Platteklooof Road circle not also have this? The officials responsible for road signage had to literally be forced to erect the chevrons on the circle after they had been knocked down during accidents.
“Unless authorities erect the flashing warning lights accidents and possible deaths will continue to occur at that circle,” says Serra.
Signage inadequate
He says it is shocking that flashing warning lights had not yet been erected. “It is the simplest solution to the problem.”
He adds: “The signage at night from the Plattekloof side is inadequate and poorly located. That is why flashing lights are needed. If you take a drive at night, it becomes obvious that currently the lack of warning lights plays a big role in these accidents occurring.”
A post on social media about the recent accident sparked an outcry with several people claiming that speed and alcohol could also have played a role. Others indicated that traffic signals be installed and that the circle be removed, and that speed cameras and speed bumps be installed.
Resident lives in fear
Mario Borchards, chair of the Bothasig Residents Association (BRA), indicated that residents have indeed suggested that better signage should be put up at the circle. “One resident has been calling for this for a long time, as his house is right next to the circle and on many occasions the vehicles have crashed into his wall.”
Justin Smit, the resident, confirmed this. He has also called for signalling to be installed. “After the upgrade of the road into a dual-carriageway, the accidents became a regular thing. All of these accidents happen at night, either people are drunk or speeding.”
Smit says over the years he installed blue flashing lights on his house as a warning. “I thought it would help.”
A barrier was also installed at the corner behind his house in 2021. “I have also asked that rumble strips be installed, but apparently due to the classification of the road, this is not allowed.”
Smit says he lives in anxiety. “When you hear the tyres screeching, you wait for the impact,” he says.
Borchards says Bothasig residents are split about the infamous circle. “Some blame bad visibility, other say that vehicles speed down Plattekloof Road and this is the cause of the crashes.”
Signage might be considered
Miquette Temlett, Ward Councillor, says speed is mostly the cause of these accidents as drivers are not obeying the speed limit coming down Plattekloof Road.
Temlett says she will have to check with the City of Cape Town’s urban mobility department about signage for the circle before she can make any suggestions.
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, however confirmed that the City had received a request for signage to be installed at the intersection of Plattekloof Road and De Grendel Avenue, Bothasig.
Asked about the type of signage that can be installed, he responded saying: “The City of Cape Town will promptly arrange for an investigation into road signage and marking at the intersection of Plattekloof Road and De Grendel Avenue, Bothasig. The investigation will reveal the best and safest way forward by means of suitable road signage and marking design, which will be implemented as soos as possible, budget depending.”
