GEORGE NEWS - The chaotic situation on the Thembalethu bridge is getting out of hand because of illegal stopping and collection of workers on the bridge, according to Freddy Trout, a Parkdene parent who drives over the N2 to take his daughter to school in Dellville Park in Pacaltsdorp daily.

"There is no respect for the road rules. The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous because of this open lawlessness. Every morning there are near misses of either a person or a parked vehicle," said a worried Trout.

He has been using the bridge for several years and has noticed that the number of vehicles picking up people has increased significantly.

"There are usually traffic officers to regulate the traffic, but they ignore those who illegally stop there. There are also people who hike. If the traffic department allows this situation to perpetuate, where will it end? We do not feel safe on this road anymore."

'At least 8 officials during peak'

George temporary traffic chief Vernon Petersen said traffic officers from the municipality can address only "certain violations" on the bridge and provincial traffic is required to address "others, for example hiking".

"Our traffic officials can address violations that fall within their mandate. It depends on how many of our officials are present on any given day and whether they are able to attend to violations."

He said at least eight officials are deployed at the bridge during morning and afternoon peaks. "The number present on any given day can vary according to operational requirements. An officer will assist specifically at the slipway from the Garden Route Mall to Thembalethu bridge, turning right on the bridge."

Peterson said the municipality is considering appointing additional staff in the future to assist in the greater George.

Provincial traffic said the construction site is complicating law enforcement.  Fines were issued before construction began, but hiking and collection of workers persist.

Fines issued, but problem persists

Quinton Williams, district chief of the provincial traffic department, said his department attended to the problem of hikers just before the start of the current construction.

"A lot of fines were issued to drivers of vehicles who stopped daily in that vicinity to pick up or drop off workers. It has now become problematic because of the construction site that makes it difficult for officers to attend each and every day. We do have some other important duties to perform on a daily basis and not just the N2 near Thembalethu."

He said since criminal activity is also taking place at the bridge, the situation has to be dealt with in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. "I promise to liaise with my counterparts from the various law enforcement agencies to address this issue jointly."

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