EcoMobility World Festival in Sandton raises concerns
SANDTON – During the month of October, the Sandton CBD will be closed to private vehicles and will only be open for cycling, walking and increased public transport.
This is part of the EcoMobility World Festival 2015 which is a project that the City of Johannesburg is embarking on to create and promote clean and green mobility options for Johannesburg.
The City wants to explore strategies that enable behavioural change among commuters to use public transport, walk and bike more and make Johannesburg a cycling-friendly city.
Also read EcoMobility for the future, roads in Sandton to be closed off
However, this has raised big concerns for Sandton residents who feel that this initiative has the potential for disaster.
One resident, Judith Taylor said, “I am extremely concerned about this venture which has not involved the affected communities at all in any public participation. In addition, it has not properly involved the disabled and does not offer access solutions to them.”
Taylor is particularly concerned about the elderly who find climbing the stairs of public buses impossible.
“Already the festival is driving smaller businesses away from Sandton,” she added.
Another concerned resident who did not wish to be named said, “It is easy to say that people visiting the many businesses in Sandton must use alternative transport, but someone coming from Alberton, Randburg, Mondeor or Midrand will then have to travel for hours. It is not feasible in the real world.”
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp said that from the plans of the festival, it seemed that organisers wanted to use the Eskom Servitude in Parkmore as a park and ride facility.
“This will create an uproar,” added Earp.
Kate Wardle, deputy chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association, confirmed that the plan to use the Eskom Servitude in Parkmore as a park and ride facility was going ahead.
“Concerns are around how the park and ride will be executed,” explained Wardle.
“There has been no real consultation. We already have our own traffic issues in Parkmore. We can work with the plans, but we just need to understand how they will be carried out.”
Residents interested in information about the festival are encouraged to download a briefing prepared by the City from the EcoMobility Festival website.
Details: www.ecomobilityfestival.org; www.ecomobilityfestival.co.za
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