The City of Cape Town has ruled out the possibility of installing physical traffic calming measures, such as speed humps or mini traffic circles, on Robert Sobukwe Road. This follows a fatal collision on Wednesday at the entrance to the University of the Western Cape (UWC), which claimed three lives and left a student critically injured.
The university has expressed deep concern over the safety of commuters and pedestrians in the area. UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour, extended condolences to the victims’ families and emphasised the need for immediate discussions with the City regarding safety improvements.
“This incident suggests to me that the safety of commuters and pedestrians on Robert Sobukwe Road is an urgent matter. We will, on an urgent basis, engage with the City of Cape Town in respect of implementing traffic calming measures,” said Balfour.
However, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, said that physical interventions are not viable on Robert Sobukwe Road due to its classification as a high-order route prioritising vehicle and freight mobility over access and egress.
“The City notes the request for traffic calming in Robert Sobukwe Road. [It] is a Class 2 Road, which is a high-order road where the mobility of vehicles and freight is prioritised over access and egress. Physical traffic calming measures are not deemed appropriate on roads of this nature,” said Quintas.
Quintas added that the City’s Traffic Calming Policy prioritises areas near schools and residential zones, with enforcement measures being the primary means of speed regulation on arterial routes.
SAPS Investigation
Meanwhile, the Western Cape police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that a Toyota Quantum and a Kia light motor vehicle were involved in the collision. Three women died on the scene, and 11 others were injured.
“Bellville South police registered a case of culpable homicide for further investigation… We appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously,” said Swartbooi.
