Traffic light vandalism is a serious issue that is causing significant setbacks for the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and the people of Fourways.
The problem of theft and vandalism of traffic signal poles and copper cables has become rampant in the city, resulting in extended periods of traffic signals being out of order. This is not only causing inconvenience to road users but also posing a serious threat to public safety.
According to JRA the theft and vandalism of traffic signal poles and copper cables are a result of the high demand for scrap metal. Criminals target traffic signals specifically because they contain copper cables, which are valuable in the scrap metal market. The problem has become so severe that it is now costing the JRA significant amounts of money to rebuild intersections and replace stolen traffic signal poles.
Bertha Scheepers JRA spokesperson said “Load-shedding is also an impact and JRA is now partnering with the public and private sector to feed backup power from properties onto traffic signals to keep the power on.
“Another issue that can cause traffic signals to be out for extended periods is vandalism and theft of copper cables and even traffic signal poles which as stolen and sold as scrap metal. This requires a significant budget to rebuild intersections,” said Scheepers.
The consequences of these issues are severe, when traffic signals are out of order it leads to traffic congestion, accidents, and increased travel time. This then increases frustration for road users and can negatively impact the economy. Emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks are also affected, as they are unable to navigate through congested intersections quickly and efficiently.
According to Scheepers “The JRA is facing an enormous battle to save the city’s road traffic signals from rampant theft and vandalism. Criminal syndicates are spreading their illegal activities across the entire city stripping our traffic signals bare for any materials that can be resold at a fraction of the replacement cost, from the traffic signal pole, copper cables and electrical components and other equipment like signal heads, UPS and controllers.”
“These acts not only disrupt the working of traffic signals which are essential services but also jeopardise public safety. The very furniture that is intended to prevent accidents and protect our community and road users end up being sold to illegal scrap metal dealers for almost nothing,” she added.
JRA contends residents to please treat the intersection as a stop way street and adhere to standard traffic rules.
Scheepers said “ JRA liaises with OUTsurance daily to identify main arterial routes affected by load-shedding or faulty signals where points people can ease traffic congestion.
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