City to Trim Row of Trees Blocking Traffic Lights in Claremont

The City of Cape Town has received reports that a row of trees on the median (centre island) of Paradise Road, between Protea Road and Fernwood Avenue, is obscuring the traffic signals at the intersection of Paradise Road (Edinburgh Drive) and Protea Road.

In order to meet the minimum sight distance requirements of traffic signals, City Parks is arranging for some of the trees to be trimmed.

City Parks is currently instituting Supply Chain Management processes to appoint a contractor who will trim the trees substantially to ensure that motorists have an unobstructed view of the traffic lights. The trimming or removal of trees obstructing sight distance is governed by the City's Tree Policy.

The visibility requirements for traffic signal faces are prescribed by the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual. Once the trees have been trimmed, the Transport Department will re-evaluate the sight distance and take further action if necessary. The removal of entire trees will only be considered as a last resort.

The City thanks motorists in advance for their patience when the trimming work is carried out.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town