Trucks could be cause of traffic lights facing wrong way

It stands to reason this could cause confusion and even serious accidents, as motorists approach and are faced with conflicting traffic signals.

We also asked about the prevalence of heavy vehicles (trucks) using residential roads in Boksburg and what the effect of this is on the city’s suburban infrastructure.

EMPD spokesperson chief superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said they have no evidence of what or who is causing traffic lights to face the wrong direction, but gave his assurance EMPD officers would be ‘sensitised’ to this problem so that they can be on the lookout for the perpetrators.

The frequency at which heavy commercial vehicles (trucks) use residential roads, mostly in an attempt to avoid toll routes, could be part of the problem, Kgasago agreed.

“Trucks over a certain mass are barred from using some residential roads. Where heavy vehicles are not permitted, signs will be up to indicate this.

“The EMPD enforces this by patrolling and acting on complaints received from the public.

“The impact of heavy vehicles using residential roads is evident.

“This includes damage to road surfaces, pavements, street lights and other infrastructure and these vehicles contribute to noise pollution, traffic delays and accidents,” Kgasago said.

A reader recently also contacted the Advertiser about the lack of markings on roads across Boksburg.

He is concerned that this is contributing to accidents, especially at night.

Kgagaso said road safety issues such as malfunctioning traffic lights and faded road markings are usually reported to the metro by EMPD officials and is the responsibility of the electricity, roads and civil works department to fix.

The public may report issues like this to the metro’s communication centre on 011 458 0911.