Mostly learners wait for cars and not the other way around.
Our recent report on the traffic situation on the corner of 11th Avenue and Otto du Plessis Drive got so much response that we thought we’d share it. City fathers, listen up!
One lady who lives nearby wrote to us, “Quite a few people have died here in the past. And that’s excluding the large number of pets that has been run over.”
“It’s the way the people drive,” complained a man. “They feel nothing for the pedestrians. My child had trouble crossing the 4-way stop to get to Ou Skip. People won’t stop. One day I’m going to smash the windscreen of the first car that doesn’t stop! I’ve had it up to here with people driving like monkeys.”
Suggestions
“A scholar patrol will be very handy,” suggested one reader. Another one suggested using one’s vote to bring about change. Circles and cameras were proposed, as was the erection of speed bumps from the entrance of Melkbosstrand up to the 3-way stop.
In the past, the powers that be have repeatedly turned down applications from the Melkbosstrand Ratepayers Association for measures to be taken. They’ve countered that the traffic was not congested enough to warrant either a traffic light or a 4-way stop.
A reader debated various possible solutions with the wisdom of a Greek philosopher. “A circle is by far the best plan,” she wrote in an email. “A 4-way stop or traffic light will cause a traffic jam in the direction of the 3-way stop at the police station and 6th Avenue. In my opinion this circle will be safer for pedestrians, too. Vehicles can only approach from one side. Whereas with a traffic light you get traffic coming from two directions, one coming straight on and the other wanting to turn into the road.” The reader continued, “Pedestrians, motorists and cyclists tend to forget about the cars that turn into the road they’re crossing. Getting this situation sorted out is important for the quality of life here in Melkbos.”
The last comment is probably the crux of the matter. The situation on the corner of 11th Avenue and Otto du Plessis Drive has become a common headache.
