Varsity Lakes residents slam ‘deadly’ pedestrian crossing

Parents fear for their childrens lives at this dangerous crossing in one of the city’s most family friendly suburbs – so what’s being done about it? DETAILS

Varsity Lakes residents are up in arms over what they call a “death trap” pedestrian crossing, with one mother warning she had nearly been “taken out twice” by speeding cars while crossing the road with a pram.

Residents have taken to Facebook to slam the crossing on Mattocks Rd, Varsity Lakes, adjacent to Frascott Ave – and say council needs to step up and do something about it.

Locals are concerned about cars speeding through the crossing. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Mother Rhylee Leckie expressed her concern over the crossing by posting on the Varsity Lakes community page: “Can I please ask everyone to pay a bit more attention when driving down Mattocks Rd. Twice in 2 weeks I’ve almost been taken out with my son in the pram at the pedestrian crossing near the Frascott Ave driveway,” she wrote.

Comments on the post. Picture: Facebook.

“The first time, the guy who stopped to let me cross was rear ended, and then today I was halfway across when another driver almost blew through the crossing.”

She was not alone in venting her frustrations. The post received over 50 comments.

Leearn Faith wrote: “100% the most dangerous crossing in our area. Cars block vision and my three kids have lost count of how many people do not ever stop while we wait. It’s scary, dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.”

“It’s a death trap,” wrote Michaela Schmidt.

Another user, Christene Conder agreed: “I’ve nearly been cleaned up due to people just not stopping or speeding.”

Fiona Taylor said an Uber driver had even “flicked me the bird because he had to stop”.

“I avoid Mattocks for that reason,” Justin Becker wrote.

A number of users on the post said the issue needed to be taken up with council.

The speed limit along Mattocks Rd is 50km/h.

The Bulletin contacted local area councillor Hermann Vorster’s office for comment.