Petition needed for speed bump approval
FAIRLAND – Joburg Roads Agency official explains the procedure behind traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.
FAIRLAND – Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, was a topic of conversation brought up by the Joburg Roads Agency during a Ward 89 public meeting.
Agency Region C operations manager, Lawrence Maseko, said in the past financial year 85km of roads was resurfaced and the agency planned to resurface 53km of roads this year.
Maseko wanted residents, during the meeting at Laerskool Fairland, to understand that resurfacing the road does not mean an application for speed bumps will be approved. He added he had received almost 35 applications asking for speed bumps at the moment, however, there were many roads where, by law, no traffic calming measures could be implemented.
These roads include national and provincial roads, major arterials, metropolitan routes, minor arterials and public transport routes. Local streets are approved for traffic calming measures.
Local streets are approved for traffic calming measures.
To apply for a speed bump or traffic calming measure, a petition must be submitted and signed by the ward councillor, the roads agency’s regional director and the Metro police department responsible for speed enforcement.
In the preliminary evaluation, the petition needs to describe the issue with recommended objectives and a geographical assessment needs to be done to gauge if calming measures may be implemented.
You can read: Ward 89 safety issues answered
Maseko proposed in a presentation that traffic calming measures should only be implemented where inherent safety problems were caused by the road layout, geometric constraints or sight distances. Additionally, they must contribute to safety at schools, community centres, old age homes or hospitals.
Maseko mentioned the agency was willing to partner with residents associations to implement the required measures.
Instead of waiting on the City, the roads agency has partnered with residents associations where the agency pays for one speed bump and the association pays for another, and so on.
Information and reports, which outline the various requirements are on the department of transport’s website.
Operations manager for traffic engineering and analysis, Esther Schmidt, can be contacted for an appointment to go through the technicalities of applying for speed bumps.
Details: Esther Schmidt, eschmidt@jra.co.za, 011 298 5230.
Become a member of our WhatsApp community by sending your name & surname to 079 439 5345.
