Safe Streets Project: A Major Milestone for Our Community 🚀
We are excited to share a significant update regarding the Safe Streets application for Melville (East), Auckland Park North, and Richmond.
Towards the end of December 2025, the Melville Security Initiative (MSI) received an interim decision from the City of Johannesburg Transport Department regarding the Safe Streets application.
Short Background:
As many of you may recall, the Safe Streets project involved a comprehensive proposal developed by the MSI in collaboration with traffic engineers, access restriction and traffic calming specialists, safety experts, and through extensive resident consultations. This was a significant undertaking, encompassing Auckland Park North and Richmond, which includes approximately 1,250 residences, businesses, organizations, schools, and churches. The proposal requested:
- Gating 19 roads
- Booming 4 roads
The proposal was presented to residents for a vote, as required by the City of Johannesburg Transport Department. Voting took place in 2023 and received over 70% approval, surpassing the minimum requirement of 66%.
The submission was made 2023/2024 and the City began processing the application.
Description of the Interim Decision:
The Interim Decision included the following approvals and rejections:
- Gating 19 roads: All were approved but with varying opening, closing times during peak traffic hours and pedestrian access 24hours
- Booming 4 roads: All were declined and no structures were permitted
Although we did not receive everything we requested, we were aware from the start that we were asking for the maximum in a multi-suburb application that serves as a thoroughfare, borders universities and hospitals, is partially earmarked for densification, and includes a business district and schools.
Ultimately, a compromise was reached between various City Departments, some of which were against the proposal while others supported it. We can work with the current approval and potentially lobby or apply for additional permissions in the future.
To avoid indefinite delays with the City, the MSI decided to proceed with the interim decision as it stands.
Please refer to the map below for details on what was approved.
Next Steps:
We are currently in the public publication and objection phase. You might have seen advertisements in the Northcliff/Melville Times, the Government Gazette, and on the affected roads. Supporters of the project do not need to take any action at this stage.
The objection phase is specifically for individuals who do not want a particular gate installed. Unless objections are very specific, well-founded, and thoroughly substantiated, the council will not entertain them.
We must complete this phase before involving the broader community in developing detailed plans for security, operations, finances, and aesthetics. This will allow us to move forward with the implementation process and make the Safe Streets area a reality.
Below you will find a more detailed description of the next phases to be completed.
Stay Connected
Questions? Reach out to the Melville Security Initiative via email at msi@ilovemelville.co.za