Speed humps spark national traffic fury

The Roads Authority (RA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport and relevant stakeholders, will begin installing speed humps along two major Windhoek routes as part of an urgent road safety intervention aimed at reducing pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the authority confirmed that works will commence on Friday, 5 June 2026, on sections of the B1 Western Bypass and the A1 Road in the Khomas Region. “The Roads Authority (RA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport and relevant stakeholders, hereby informs the public that speed humps will be installed at selected locations along the B1 Western Bypass, between the Independence Avenue Interchange (Katutura Hospital area) and the Lafrenz Interchange. Similar measures will also be implemented on a section of the A1 Road between Prosperita and the Windhoek Country Club and Resort,” the statement read.The intervention follows what authorities described as an increase in pedestrian-related crashes, some of which have resulted in fatalities. “The intervention, which was initiated by Honourable Veikko Nekundi, Minister of Works and Transport, follows an increase in pedestrian-related crashes along these sections, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The speed humps form part of an immediate road safety measure to reduce vehicle speeds, improve driver alertness, and enhance pedestrian safety in these high-risk areas,” the RA said.The authority added that traffic management measures will be implemented to minimise disruption during construction. “To allow the works to proceed while maintaining traffic flow, one lane will be closed at a time, and traffic will be diverted to the remaining open lane. Motorists should therefore expect temporary disruptions and possible delays,” the statement said.The RA further noted that warning signage and traffic officers will be deployed throughout the installation period. “Appropriate traffic management measures, including warning signage and traffic accommodation arrangements, will remain in place throughout the installation period to safeguard both road users and on-site personnel,” it said.Motorists have been urged to reduce speed and comply with traffic instructions, with the authority stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility. “Road safety remains a shared responsibility, and the cooperation of all road users is essential to creating safer roads for everyone,” the RA said, adding that it “regrets any inconvenience caused.”However, the announcement has sparked mixed public reaction, particularly over the suitability of speed humps on high-volume arterial roads. Online commentators warned of congestion and risky driving behaviour. “Rush hour on the bypass is going to be something to behold,” one user said, while another added: “They still make U-turns… and even go against the traffic direction… in the middle of the lane, not even on the side.”Concerns were also raised about vehicle damage and infrastructure suitability. “Those things are only damaging your car if you have a small ‘down-to-earth’ vehicle,” another comment read. A separate warning suggested long-term safety risks: “It will now be known as a high-risk accident spot.” An online petition launched earlier this week argues that speed humps are not an appropriate solution for freeway-type roads. It states that while pedestrian safety is important, the current approach disrupts traffic flow and increases congestion. “I have been frustrated with the recent addition of speed humps on our local freeway, which has significantly disrupted the flow of traffic. This public freeway is not constructed for pedestrian crossings but is meant to facilitate a fast and efficient movement of vehicles,” the petition reads.It proposes pedestrian bridges as a more sustainable alternative. “Pedestrian bridges offer a safe, dedicated crossing for foot traffic, allowing them to cross without hindering vehicle flow,” it argues, adding that such infrastructure would reduce congestion, emissions, and travel delays.In contrast, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi defended the decision, citing driver behaviour and speeding patterns. “We installed signs that the road condition is going to change. We are going to put up speed humps. Drivers start driving 120 now, 60, 40, 30 before we reach the speed camera,” he said.He also pointed to incidents of non-compliance on the road. “Last night, somebody just, when the other one was allowing the speed of 30 kilometres to go over the speed hump, a car came from behind and hit this car from behind. Now it's blaming the Ministry of Road Safety. Something must be wrong,” he said.As installation begins, the debate underscores a wider tension between immediate safety interventions and long-term infrastructure planning, with motorists divided over whether speed humps are a necessary measure or a disruption to key transport corridors.

Speed humps spark national traffic fury

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-06-09

Please login to leave a comment

Speed humps spark national traffic fury

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-06-09

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content