R27 million investment to enhance pedestrian safety in Durban
The eThekwini Transport Authority is rolling out a series of infrastructure upgrades and awareness campaigns aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities in high risk areas.
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ROAD fatalities in the Durban city centre has prompted the eThekwini Municipality to invest R27-million to upgrade pedestrian and road infrastructure in the CBD.
This initiative is as a result of the 153 pedestrian deaths in road crashes within the CBD in the last five years.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, over the next five years the city will invest R27 million to ensure that roads around the Durban City Hall are safer for both motorists and pedestrians.
Recognising the urgent need for action, the City’s Transport Authority has outlined plans that are designed to better protect both pedestrians and motorists.
Violations that contribute to the high accident rate include speeding, reckless driving, illegal parking, disobeying the red traffic light and jaywalking.
"To curb these challenges, the eThekwini Transport Autthority is implementing a series of infrastructure upgrades and awareness campaigns aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing traffic-related deaths in high-risk areas.
"Key infrastructure projects include raised intersections and pedestrian crossings to slow down vehicles, kerb extensions (pedestrian nibs) to improve visibility and shorten crossing distances, and upgrades aligned with the International Road Assessment Programme to meet a minimum three-star safety rating," said the city in a statement.
The rollout of these projects will begin in January 2026.
The city added that the transport authority will implement pedestrian safety campaigns, which include media outreach, community activations, and interactive education programmes focusing on safe crossing practices and responsible road use.