The shortage of reflective tape on traffic poles remains a problem.
The initiative was rolled out by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to attach reflective tape to all traffic signal poles (robots, traffic signals, speed limits) in the city.
The tape is attached to the poles to warn motorists travelling in total darkness due to load shedding or other power outages where traffic signals and intersections are not operating or not visible. JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said, “This is a proactive initiative aimed at making traffic signals more visible at night and during adverse weather conditions.”
According to Ward 102 councillor David Potter, the programme to put up reflective tape was started in 2010 after Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl brought a motion to Council. He further added that the motion, which was approved by Council in October 2010, the marking programme had to be completed by end of June 2012 which was the end of that financial year. “While this programme seems to largely have been done across the city, the JRA has failed to upkeep this programme,” said Potter.
At the moment, no reflective tapes are being put on poles which are replaced, due to road accidents or upgrades. “The result of load shedding and untaped traffic signal poles makes travelling through the intersections of Johannesburg extremely dangerous,” added Potter. “We are awaiting the procurement of additional reflective tape which will be fitted on all remaining traffic signals,” said Peters-Scheepers.
