Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
03 February 2020 | Story Cobus van Jaarsveld | Photo Charl Devenish
Traffic Circle on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus
The Department of Protection Services shares how to #BSafe at traffic circles.

For the majority of drivers, one of the most confusing driving laws is the correct use of a traffic circle, especially in Bloemfontein with the large number of smaller traffic circles constructed over the past few years; also across the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus.

“In fact, many motorists do not know that there is a difference between a larger traffic circle and a mini traffic circle, other than their size. Can you really be frustrated if someone cuts you off at a traffic circle if you don't know the rules? Arrive Alive has shed some light on the issue,” said Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison in the UFS Department of Protection Services.

What is the difference between the two circles?

A traffic circle is classified as large when it has a minimum diameter of about 16 metres and a 1,5 to 2 metre flattened kerb, which allows heavy vehicles to drive onto a small section of the circle. A mini traffic circle is normally not more than seven to ten metres in diameter and the entire circle is mountable for heavy vehicles.

Are there different rules for each?

Yes – the rule of thumb is that mini traffic circles, which are usually found in residential areas, have the same rules as a four-way stop – first come first served. For larger traffic circles, which are usually found at busy crossings to assist with the traffic flow, you must give way to the right.

Rules to remember at a large traffic circle

As you arrive at a large traffic circle, traffic coming from your right has right of way, regardless of how many cars there are. Wait until there is a gap in the traffic and then ease slowly into the circle. Watch out for other traffic in the circle and be aware that they may not be using their indicators.

Use your indicators

Signal when you are going to turn – switch your indicator on immediately after passing the exit prior to the one you intend taking. If you are taking the first exit, i.e. you're turning left, then flick on your left indicator and keep in the outside/left-hand lane. Keeping in the outside/left-hand lane also works well if you're continuing straight ahead, as your exit is very close. After you've passed the left-turn exit and yours is next, signal left and you're free. If you're turning right or performing a U-turn, keep in the inside/right-hand lane. Only signal left and change into the left-hand lane once you've passed the other exits and only yours is ahead.

Rules to remember at a mini traffic circle

The first vehicle to cross the line has the right of way, so it really works on the same principle as a four-way stop or yield sign. Proceed in a clockwise direction around the circle, without driving on it.

News Archive

Farmers need to plan grazing better, says UFS expert
2017-02-21

Description: Prof HO de Waal Tags: Prof HO de Waal

Prof HO de Waal, affiliated researcher
at the University of the Free State,
says farmers should save grazing
during the summer months to have
fodder available in the winter and
early spring.
Photo: Theuns Botha,
Landbouweekblad

“Farmers should save veld during the summer months to have grazing available for animals especially in the winter and early spring. Farmers should also adjust livestock numbers timely and wisely according to the available material in the field,” says Prof HO de Waal, professional animal scientist and affiliated researcher in the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the University of the Free State.

He offered this advice as a result of the sporadic and scattered (scant) rainfall of the past couple of summers. “In retrospect we know that this kind of precipitation started in about 2014 and has continued in subsequent summers. In February 2015, it was clear that a major fodder scarcity was developing.”

Existing research methods serve as source of current knowledge
Dr Herman Fouché (Agricultural Research Council) has conducted research on the impact of climate, especially rainfall, on the growth of grass. Sophisticated computer technology developed as far back as the 1980s to – through modelling – predicts the impact of climate on field production during the growing season.

The impact of climate, and more specifically rainfall, on field production has been known to animal and grazing scientists for a long time. Prof De Waal used the modelling results to determine the impact of rainfall on grass as a feeding source for animals.

“Information that emerged from this old research programme could therefore be applied directly to animal production,” says Prof De Waal.

Adjust livestock numbers to availability of grazing
In the summer rainfall areas of South Africa, grass usually grows from the end of August and early September. The growth process is dependent on the transfer of soil moisture, as well as on rainfall during the winter and early spring.

“Livestock numbers should be balanced throughout the year (according to the nutritional needs and production of the animals) with the availability of grazing material – be consistent, not only during certain seasons or when drought is imminent,” is Prof De Waal’s advice to farmers. “Farmers are also encouraged to carefully reduce the number of livestock on grazing and to rather focus their attention and limited resources on the remaining breeding herds (cows and ewes).”

“It is tragic, but unfortunately many farmers will not survive the effects of recent years. Similar climatic conditions will occur, with the same tragic consequences for man and beast. Better planning has to start now.” The assistance of private institutions, individuals, as well as the government, during the severe droughts is gratefully acknowledged.

Spineless cactus pear as solution for scarcity of animal feed
Prof De Waal says spineless cactus pears could be used as a feeding source during droughts. “The effects of a severe drought, or major animal-feed scarcity, are still prevalent in large parts of the subcontinent.” This may act as a catalyst to utilise spineless cactus pears as a feeding source and to be incorporated in the feed-flow programme for livestock on natural grazing.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept