Traffic Calming Measures needed for Ou Kaapse Weg, Cape Town

Animal fatalities, as well as human, are a big concern on OKW. During Jan 2010 up to 31 Aug 2015 there were in excess of 1923 injuries on OKW and 3 fatalities (human). During 2016 this number is potentially even higher with the tragic death of a 5 year old boy a couple of months ago. People do not stick to the speed limit, overtake on solid lines, tailgate each other and have no consciousness of animals trying to cross the road in search of food and water.

I was nearly killed by speeding cars while helping a tortoise cross the road a month ago and many others have similar stories. Animals are under extreme pressure to survive with climate change and the extreme draught we are experiencing. They have to travel long distances in search of food, water and mates and having to cross a busy road that runs right through a national park is a death sentence for wild animals. I feel that the National Environmental Management Act for Protected Areas 2003 is not doing enough to protect animals in the nature reserve surrounding the Far South.

Research has shown in situations like this the number of wild animals killed due to cars far exceeds natural mortality rates and because traffic is non-selective threatened species, like the Cape Caracal, are also under threat. A paper published in 2011 in African Zoology based on a study done in the Northern Cape on the R360 showed tragic numbers of animal deaths with anything from 152 mammals and 32 birds killed during a six month period. The animals killed includes the Spotted Eagle Owl, African Wild Cat, Bat-eared Fox and Hawks.

This study also found that road signs do not work in decreasing animal fatalities and therefore more needs to be done to implement either positive or negative interventions. We can also find similar concerns and findings from research done in the Blaauwberg nature reserve. As per the Far South Peninsula Community Forum, we need to protect our biodiversity as current urbanisation pressures are having a significantly negative impact on nature. Nature is a large economic driver for the Far South with tourists (both local and international) flocking here to immerse in nature.

Animals form part of an ecosystem and if mortality rates are in excess, ecosystems could potentially collapse (complex systems theory) threatening the tourism and recreation income estimated at between R2-R6 billion per year.

Measures such as rumble strips and speed over distance cameras are a few suggestions that we have.
Great info about our wild neighbours: http://www.capenature.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Living-with-our-Wild-Neighbours-Belinda-Ashton.pdf