Clarence Drive: 13 minutes for 13 kms – A small shift for wildlife and humans to thrive together
I was recently elected to the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers’ Association committee with “speed reduction” as my portfolio.
My first aim is to reduce the Clarence Drive speed limit to 60 km/h throughout our village. My goal is safety and tranquillity for all humans and all of our wildlife. My angle and motivation will include focusing on environmental principles, and not only residential density and accident counts.
“13 km = 13 min” The intention is a friendly campaign – to encourage all to relax and enjoy our surroundings – for only 13 minutes of their time, which is exactly how long it will take to pass through Betty’s Bay travelling at 60km/h. The perception is that driving slower will take loads of extra time – the fact is that driving through our entire village at 60km/h takes only 5 minutes longer than at 100km/h. Currently we have 100(!), 80 and 60 km/h zones – confusing, unnecessary, noisy and unsafe.
Every 10 km/h reduction makes a significant difference in stopping distance and traffic noise.
It is early days for me in this process. I have gathered loads of information and have lots more to learn and I welcome the BBC members’ input and support.
Marelize Smith