The unsettling sound of screeching tyres and crashing metal reverberates through the afternoon sky, announcing a serious collision on one of Newcastle’s busier roads. The occupants of the vehicles involved are in desperate need of medical assistance as emergency personnel rush to the scene. Shocked onlookers gather, their faces painted with concern as they witness the chaos unfold. Regrettably, this distressing scenario is not an isolated occurrence; collisions happen with alarming regularity in Newcastle.
Navigating Newcastle’s roads can often be challenging. Therefore, to better understand the current traffic conditions, Newcastillian News spoke with the Newcastle Municipal traffic chief.
We sought to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in collisions, assess the safety of local motorists, identify the most common traffic violations, and learn about the measures being implemented by traffic authorities to prevent severe accidents during the upcoming holiday season
Discussing the situation, Newcastle Municipal Traffic Chief Ashok Anandhaw elaborated that analysing collision statistics to determine whether there has been a rise or fall in incidents presents a significant challenge. “Collisions are not always reported to us, especially if they are not serious. Often, those involved go directly to the SAPS to file an accident report. We only take note of incidents to which we are called out,” he explained, emphasising that this does not diminish the seriousness of the problem.
According to Traffic Chief Anandhaw, his team have noted that crashes are also not only random and scattered throughout Newcastle, but there is also an issue with motorists speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving and pedestrians walking into traffic.
“Non-compliance with road laws contributes to 90% of all incidents in Newcastle. This includes motorists failing to stop at intersections where stop signs or traffic lights are present, not using non-functional traffic lights as four-way stops, and drivers becoming distracted or not using their hands-free kits while behind the wheel,” he elaborated.
It is critical to note that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is such a pressing issue that, according to the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service, Newcastle ranks among the top 30 areas in the country for this particular crime. In fact, from April 2024 to June 2024, the SAPS opened 83 cases of driving under the influence.
Furthermore, Traffic Chief Anandhaw pointed out that blame cannot be solely directed at Newcastle’s motorists for the persistently high number of reported collisions. “We have numerous out-of-town motorists in Newcastle who are unfamiliar with our roads. While our road traffic signage is in place, and we are in the process of addressing road markings, we have found that our road signs are often vandalised. Locals are aware of the intersections and what is expected of them, but motorists from outside the area may not recognise these signs and could inadvertently cause a collision,” said Anandhaw.
Considering these challenges, Traffic Chief Anandhaw underscored that establishing trends in monitoring traffic infringements is far from straightforward. He explained that multiple factors must be taken into account, including the increase of road users during peak times, the influx of new residents into Newcastle, inexperienced drivers obtaining their licences, and the presence of out-of-town business representatives visiting the area.
Nevertheless, he stated, “The Newcastle Municipality will be holding its October Transport Month campaign from this month, where we will be sensitising people to adhere to traffic regulations, holding regular roadblocks and having integrated operations with the police and RTI. This will continue until the holiday season ends in January 2025.”
While reflecting on road safety in Newcastle and plans for the upcoming holiday season, Traffic Chief Anandhaw highlighted the broader implications of collisions, noting these incidents did not just end with law enforcement and other emergency personnel.
“Negligent driving incurs substantial costs, particularly when one considers the resources deployed to respond to a reported collision,” said Traffic Chief Anandhaw. He further elaborated that these resources include traffic officers, police officials, and paramedics, all of whom are dispatched to the scene. Additionally, firefighters may also be called to assist when motorists or their passengers become trapped within their vehicles.
The deployment of these individuals to a collision scene incurs costs related to the equipment they require and fuel expenses. Moreover, collisions can result in increased financial burdens for residents in the long run, as they face rising insurance premiums, hospital and medical bills, and the potential loss of income for individuals who serve as the primary breadwinners for their families.
“While collisions impact the economy, if they occur due to negligence, they also result in traffic officers and other emergency personnel not being able to focus on areas where lives are at risk,” emphasised Traffic Chief Anandhaw.
Given these concerns, and while Newcastillians may be quick to assign blame to traffic officers for road infringements, Traffic Chief Anandhaw firmly asserted, “First and foremost, motorists must fully understand and comply with all road traffic rules. Do not drink and drive; always stop at intersections and traffic lights—even when the light is amber. Stopping for just a few seconds can save lives, prevent financial losses, and minimise downtime for businesses whose vehicles could be involved in a crash.”
With issues such as speeding, drinking and driving, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and pedestrians failing to watch where they are walking, what are your thoughts on this pressing matter, particularly with traffic officials preparing to ramp up their efforts over the next three months?
Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 4
Road markings are so important. If a road has no markings, what must we do? How will people from out of town know which lane is a turning lane or not?
In Arbourpark there are two speed bumps in Oak Street. Many have asked for them to be painted and even warning signs erected, but falling on deaf ears.
The growing pothole in Albert Wessels towards the T-junction at Hardwick Street. All the potholes get fixed around it, but not the one on the edge of the road. Please can someone read here and hear our cry.
Children from Tugela High School running across Allen Street dodging fast moving cars, is so scary, I just hold my breathe.
Many thanks.
Isn’t it time the traffic department took road safety more seriously? Do we even have an active traffic department in Newcastle? Sometimes it feels like they’re more like social media influencers or socialites than public servants. Traffic officers should start by holding themselves accountable. I’ve seen countless traffic violations happening right in front of them, but they’re too busy talking or on their phones to intervene. Just this Monday morning, traffic on Allen Street was a mess due to a broken-down car and roadworks. A traffic officer stood there on his phone while vehicles drove recklessly, some even into oncoming traffic, causing further delays.
Also, the road markings are faded and unclear, and many traffic lights are either missing or poorly timed. Most of the time, the only thing you see traffic officials doing is standing around at robots, chatting by their vehicles instead of managing traffic. This neglect of duty puts everyone at risk
Non compliance. More accurately driving like they have immortality. Thereby risking not only their own lives but also the lives of others. I saw a car drive in front of a truck. Was utterly shocked at the recklessness. Luckily the driver of the truck had stopped. Or the driver of the white car would be crushed under the weight of the truck. Saw a taxi drive over a lane into a side lane to turn of because it didn’t want to stop for the robot. Thereby endangering the vehicle that was in the next lane. Saw a bakkie driving into a lane that is meant for turning. Almost causing an accident. And this is all within the last few weeks. Not even a month.
I was in accident because the driver of a white bakkie didn’t yield to a turn sign. Pushing us into oncoming traffic. And then the coward drove on. Tell you something about the driver. And the worst thing. The traffic officer failed to disclose I as the passenger was hurt. I call these type of drivers morons. Cowards clowns that need to walk. Not drive. Reckless drivers need to walk. Take their licences. They’re not responsible. Risking our lives because they just don’t care.
Where in this world is it OK to sit in the parking lot in your car 9′ o’clock in the morning at a Mall and polish a few quarts of beers with your accomplices and later drove off? Filling the cooler box with ice and more stock, I see this regularly. Driving in traffic with your phone next to your ear seems to be norm. Driving behind someone noticing that he or she is going to something stupid at any moment, low and behold, the driver is on the phone.