“Breaking traffic laws is a JMPD issue” — JRA
The Record has been back and forth between the JRA and the JMPD to find out who will accept responsiblity.
According to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) it seems that all future issues with the pedestrian crossing recently installed on Ontdekkers Road will be referred to JMPD.
The Record has been waiting for comment from the JRA’s Ntsikelelo Ngubani, presumably a spokesperson. Declining to comment, Ngubani referred the journalist to a certain Reuben Malema, Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) spokesperson.
On Tuesday 7 August Mosa Makhalima, also a JRA employee, sent through the following comment.
“Signalised pedestrian crossings are safe as it provides pedestrians with a controlled environment.
“They can cross the road without having to rely on gaps between the vehicles.”
Makhalima also denied the JRA’s further responsibility in the matter.
“Motorists travelling over the legal speed limit or that are not adhering to the road signs, signals, markings etcetera are then acting in violation of the Road Traffic Act.
“Breaking the traffic laws is a JMPD matter.
“We also call for a behavioural change in motorists travelling along such a busy road.”
Malema was not available for comment by telephone, but the Record has sent an email to him regarding the safety of the pedestrians.
On a previous occasion, in response to questions from the Record, both JMPD spokespersons Wayne Minnaar and Edna Mamonyane were not aware of the issues relating to the pedestrian crossing.
