Speed humps ruled out for Princess Street

Speed humps are not a solution to speeding and reckless driving on Princess Street as the road is an arterial route used by public transport and emergency services, says Rob Quintas, mayoral committee member for urban mobility.

Residents in the area have asked for speed humps or cameras to prevent traffic violations on Princess Street (“Residents fed up with Princess Street speeding,” Sentinel News, November 25, 2022).

However, City spokesman Kevin Jacobs said they had no records of official complaints about traffic problems on Princess Street. Residents should lodge formal complaints so they could be investigated, he said.

Mr Quintas ruled out speed humps, saying: “The City of Cape Town’s traffic-calming policy aims to protect the most vulnerable road users, where they occur in the largest numbers on a Class 4 Collector Street and/or Class 5 Local Street in a residential area in the vicinity of public facilities, with roads adjacent to and leading to schools being the primary focus of attention.”

Princess Street is classified as a “Class 3 Secondary Arterial, Public Transport and Emergency Route”, where mobility needs to be maintained, he said.

“Physical traffic-calming measures are not deemed appropriate on roads of this nature,” Mr Quintas said.

Law enforcement was much more effective at regulating drivers’ speeds along arterial routes, he said.

Mr Quintas said Princess Street lacked a continuous footway along its length, which meant pavements and cycle lanes might be established there in future.

“There is pedestrian and cycle activity therefore non-motorised footways and cycle lanes can be considered,” Mr Quintas said, adding that the City would also consider additional road signage in Princess Street.

To report issues or lodge complaints, visit the City’s website or call 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.