JRA launches a backup system for traffic lights in Midrand
MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene said the traffic signal backup power initiative will help prevent the city’s infrastructure from being vandalised.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency has partnered with Vodacom South Africa to create a backup system for traffic lights during load-shedding.
The system has been launched in Midrand on 13th Road, Vodacom Boulevard, and Lever Road.
The JRA operations manager Sipho Nhlapho said to mitigate load-shedding, the utility had installed traffic signal secondary power units called dictator loops.
These units detect a car as it approaches the traffic light and communicate with the controller.
Nhlapho said the backup system was seamless as it kicked in immediately when load-shedding was implemented.
MMC of Transport Kenny Kunene said, “We believe once we use alternative energy to keep traffic lights on, we might be able to mitigate the vandalism of traffic lights.”
Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo expressed her gratitude to Vodacom and JRA.
“We welcome this public-private partnership. This is something we’ve been preaching about since the beginning of November 2021.”
The CEO of Vodacom South Africa Sitho Mdlalose said, “Through this partnership, we hope to drive efficiency on our roads and ensure the safety of our community.”
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said they would install more of these backup units in Midrand in due course.
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