Reckless Behavior Along Clarence Drive Raises Safety Concerns and Prompts Official Warning

The picturesque coastal road of Clarence Drive, stretching between Gordon's Bay and neighboring coastal towns on South Africa's scenic coast, has recently become a hotspot for dangerous behavior, sparking grave concerns from the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. The Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, issued a stern warning about the alarming trend of travelers stopping irresponsibly in closed sections of the roadway, which only recently reopened following significant damage caused by severe floods.

An immediate probe into the complaints about near head-on collisions revealed that road users are stopping for leisure activities, such as taking leisurely strolls, photographing the stunning vistas, or approaching the water's edge, often within areas closed specifically for safety purposes. This has led to numerous incidents of these users rejoining the traffic flow without due care, greatly enhancing the risk of accidents along the route.

The Department has noted Clarence Drive’s critical role as an economic artery, but also reasserted that the closed sections are off-limits for any activity unrelated to the road construction under progress. To mitigate this heedless behavior, additional flagmen have been stationed along these sections to guide and control traffic movement.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Simmers delivered a cautionary statement on the potential harsher measures that could be enforced should this risky pattern persist. These measures range from deploying escort vehicles—a costly and time-consuming intervention—to possibly closing Clarence Drive altogether, negatively affecting both the traffic flux and the regional economy.

With safety as their paramount concern, Simmers announced the bolstering of traffic and law enforcement along Clarence Drive to combat this perilous trend. Accident rates and irresponsible conduct will be closely monitored in an effort to prevent future tragic consequences. The reopening of Clarence Drive on December 11, 2023, was initially met with enthusiasm. However, the flagrant disregard for road safety by a few has spoiled this sentiment, prompting significant enforcement action.

These steps reflect the Western Cape government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of all who travel along Clarence Drive. The Provincial Minister concludes with an appeal to the public to exercise caution and respect road regulations to maintain safety for all.