SANRAL at the core of road safety

SANRAL has erected fences on portions of two highways to keep pedestrians safe.

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has ensured the safety of residents within the eThekwini municipality in KwaZulu-Natal by erecting fences along portions of two highways.
Pedestrians living near these roads were being hit by vehicles when attempting to directly cross the highways rather than using the overhead bridges.

The fences have been erected along the N3 near Cliffdale, and on the N2 at Kwa Mashu. Each fence is two kilometres long.

SANRAL has previously erected fences on the N3 near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza to prevent hawkers gaining access to the plaza.

Bruno Cullen SANRAL’s Eastern Region project manager said pedestrians vandalised the fencing that had been erected along certain sections to prevent them from crossing the busy highway.

“We have experimented with vandal-proof fences which have so far proven to be effective in preventing people from crossing and causing an unsafe environment.”

The fencing, which is almost 2.5 metres high is manufactured from galvanized, pressed, high-density mesh panels with anti-cut dimensions and galvanised spikes bolted along the top.

It is not possible to climb this type of fence and it is difficult to cut.

“Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users and road safety is an important priority for SANRAL.

“We ask for pedestrians’ cooperation to ensure that their lives are not placed in jeopardy by the deliberate and wilful destruction of the fencing,” said Cullen.

He urged pedestrians to use the pedestrian bridge as a safety precaution.

The ward councillor of Cliffdale, Mthetheleli Sibisi, said more than eight people have been killed in accidents in this area.

"We are happy that this area has been fenced. This project is going to help minimise accidents in the area, especially at night because most people who died here were crossing at night and not wearing bright clothes so cars couldn’t see them. We thank you SANRAL for coming up with this project," said Sibisi.