By: Nkosinathi Dube

Durban Metro Police have taken upon themselves to direct traffic at one of the busy traffic lights in Isipingo, South of Durban.

The intersection linking Isipingo, KwaMakhutha, Malukazi and Folweni has been a problem for road users during rush hour traffic for quite some time.

Motorists are subjected to a stop and go at the M34 stretching from Malukazi leading to the N2 every morning.

Metro Police Inspector Sbusiso Langa, said that the rush hour traffic in the area occurs during the early hours of the morning where people are going to work.

The area also experiences frequent road closure due to service delivery protests at the neighbouring Malukazi and Isipingo transits camp.

“Our station in Isipingo has officers who direct traffic at the areas busy robots such as the one at the M35 highway towards UMbumbulu,” said Langa.

Commuters using public transport who travel at the same route have been victims of the delays caused by the congestion which leads to them arriving late for work.

But the presence of police officers each morning eases this problem and also ensure responsible driving by motorists.

The police officers also conduct road blocks in the area in checking traffic offenses and un-roadworthy vehicles.

Zandile Khwela, a teacher from Lotus Park said that every morning she has to leave the house an hour early when going to work to prevent getting stuck in the congestion.

“At times the traffic gets so bad that we get at risk of being in unnecessary accidents because of impatient drivers who drive recklessly and always wanting to cut in front of you, but with
metro cops presence its much safer,” said Khwela.

According to inspector Langa, motorists using the M35 heading towards Durban should also use alternative routes to avoid being held up.