Perilous Unauthorized Speed Humps Endanger Tlokwe Street Residents

In the Tsakani area, apprehension has taken hold among both residents and motorists traversing Tlokwe Street as they contend with a concerning situation stemming from an unexpected source – an EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) officer. This unease has been triggered by the officer’s unilaterally established speed humps just beyond the confines of his residence.

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The humps have been erected with a curious placement, extending across the boundary of the officer’s yard without the inclusion of any accompanying road signs – a departure from the stipulations outlined in the municipal by-laws. This omission of signage, which serves as one of the mandatory prerequisites for such installations, further fuels the community’s disquiet.

Remarkably, these speed humps have engendered a recurring scenario wherein motorists frequently lose control of their vehicles, struggling to navigate the abrupt incline. This predicament has elicited growing concerns about both road safety and vehicular damage, warranting immediate attention.

One resident, who opted for anonymity, conveyed a prevailing sentiment of peril that envelops Tlokwe Street, particularly during nocturnal hours and in the midst of load-shedding. She underscored the unconventional dimensions of the humps, which have inflicted harm on vehicles’ undersides, posing a particular danger to unfamiliar drivers. She recounted an alarming incident on a recent Saturday when a fellow resident barely averted crashing into her property’s wall, the outcome of losing control due to the humps. She lamented that the consequences could have been even more dire if children were present outside.

Another resident echoed the prevailing sentiment, elucidating that their reservations are not directed against the concept of speed humps on the street. Rather, the crux of their contention lies in the perceived disregard for mandated prerequisites. They assert that not only is the space between the two humps and their size infringing upon legality, but the community at large was not afforded the courtesy of consultation on this matter.

Delving into the municipal by-laws, it is clear that the formal application process for implementing traffic calming measures necessitates the submission of a proposal. Such a proposal should carry the applicant’s endorsements and any supportive residents within the pertinent blocks of the installation. In this instance, however, there are indications that neither the affected resident nor the relevant authorities were part of any such dialogue. Instead, allegations persist that the officer himself undertook the construction of the humps without due process.

The gravity of this situation extends to the potential repercussions of implementing physical obstructions within roadways. If not executed precisely, such actions carry the risk of vehicular damage and the escalation of accidents.

Further guidelines underscore the importance of well-placed road signs and markings, conforming to the specifications outlined in Volume Two and Chapter 12 of the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (1999). The essence of proper visibility, particularly during nocturnal hours, is emphasised, with an insistence that artificial lighting should be deployed if deemed necessary.

In the face of these mounting concerns, the African Reporter sought to glean insights from the implicated metro police officer. Remarkably, he abstained from providing any commentary on the issue.

On the official front, Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, EMPD spokesperson, indicated that an active investigation is underway, pledging that appropriate measures to rectify the situation will be undertaken promptly. The community’s distress, stemming from what should be a basic commitment to safety and procedural adherence, remains a poignant testament to the significance of responsible governance and community engagement.

Source: Illegal speed humps a danger for Tlokwe Street residents

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Photo: Supplied by the African Reporter