The City of Cape Town officially changed the speed limit in Main Road, Simon’s Town, on Tuesday 31 May from a 60 km/h zone to 40 km/h.
This after a two-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, said the City received frequent complaints of speeding in the area.
“We frequently receive complaints about excessive speeding from residents despite Traffic Services frequently enforcing speed limits along Simon’s Town Main Road.
“The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has a programme to review speeds along all coastal areas, where there are tourism attractions, significant pedestrian activity, schools fronting onto primary routes and hazardous locations. We have addressed other coastal tourism areas across the Metro and Simon’s Town was on our programme for review.”
“In the case of Simon’s Town, the process was drawn out by a review prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, thus, the final roll-out was delayed and took two years.”
According to Quintas, before changing the speed limit consultants undertake a speed limit review and gather data to compile a comprehensive report.
“The report is then presented to our review committee, and based on the findings, a decision is made on the speed adjustment.”
Quintas added that the process was drawn out due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The new speed limit is effective from the time the signs are erected and visible. The signs were erected yesterday, 31 May.”
Reacting on social media, community members said they were pleased with the new speed limit.
Cheryl Schneider wrote: “Good news indeed. I do wish they would do the same along Clairvaux from main to Boyes Drive. There are many walkers, a school and parents, but yet this road is like a race track.”
Sharon McComb said she hopes that the law will strictly be enforced.
“Fantastic. Would love to have it lowered around Scarborough as well. People act like speed limits are merely a suggestion.”
Andrea Buckingham commented that they previously lived on the Main Road and that speeding was horrendous.
“That’s great news! We lived on the main through road and the constant speeding was absolutely horrendous. I really hope people take notice and slow down.”
While Colleen Ingram commented: “Yes! Such a lovely village where pedestrians and animals can coexist with traffic.”
