Vandalism on N2 is a safety risk, costly, causes delays

Continued vandalism, theft and destruction of property on the N2, just outside George, is an assault on the entire community who stand to benefit from the completion of the pedestrian bridge over the N2. The project involves the construction of a pedestrian bridge over both carriageways of the N2, while the road remains in use, and will ultimately link the existing and growing communities on both sides of the N2.

Pedestrian facilities remain a key priority for SANRAL. When the contractor constantly has to replace and repair stolen and damaged materials on site, this not only substantially increases the costs, but also poses significant road safety risks to motorists, when signage is missing.

In this case, temporary signage is necessary to warn road users of road works, and inform motorists of switch-overs, lane reductions, construction traffic, etc, since the work is being carried out while the road remains open to traffic. Inadequate or missing signage can have disastrous consequences, particularly in bad weather conditions, or at night time.

Initiatives to combat or remedy the acts of vandalism are costly and should not be necessary if we build a culture of pride in our road infrastructure; the road is ultimately there to serve the entire community. Although security personnel are deployed, the road signs range over a 2km stretch of road and they cannot possibly guard each sign post.

"When we embark on road construction projects, it is always with the road user in mind, and in particular, with the pedestrian in mind. This project speaks directly to our commitment to creating safe travelling facilities for pedestrians. It is an affront to all those pedestrians who are in dire need of safe facilities, when a few rogue elements plunder and vandalise the property that is intended to help save lives. We appeal to the adjacent communities to report these criminals and help us to bring an end to the vandalism," said Randall Cable, SANRAL's Western Region Manager.

Any acts of vandalism and theft of property can be anonymously reported to Crime Line by sending an SMS to 32211 (SMS charged at R1) or calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.