Preventative measures have been taken by the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) to curb the theft and vandalism of traffic lights which has reached alarming proportions.
More than 365 cases of theft and vandalism of the City’s traffic signals have been reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) over the past year alone.
According to JRA acting managing director Mpho Kau, currently 30 out of 2111 traffic signals across the City are out of order due to cable theft and traffic poles being cut and stolen.
“A man was recently arrested by the JRA security contractor in the process of stealing traffic signal cables on Wemmer Pan, N17.
“The N17 on ramp has become a hot spot for vandalism and theft of traffic light copper cables,” said Kau.
Other hot spot intersections that are repeatedly targeted (some within 24 hours of replacement) and are under constant siege by criminals are:
- Chris Hani Road and Aerodrome Road in Soweto has been targeted 44 times over the past year.
- Nasrec Road and M1 south Off Ramp in Aeroton has been targeted 26 times over the past year.
- Wemmer Pan Road and North Road in Springfield Extension Four has been hit 22 times.
- Wemmer Pan Road and M2 West on ramp in Springfield Extension Four has been targeted 24 times over the past year.
- Bonsmara Road and Leer Road in City Deep Extension One has been hit 27 times.
- Charles Road and Hamilton Road in Claremont has been targeted 21 times over the past year.
Kau said, “The first major step in combating the scourge by JRA was to install CCTV cameras and sensors to detect and respond to criminal acts of vandalism and theft.
“At the 30 intersections where CCTV cameras have been installed, theft of cables has reduced by between 60% and 80%.
“Such acts of vandalism lead to the disruption of essential services and jeopardise public safety. Traffic signals are cut down for their copper wire, electrical components and traffic light poles.
“An alternative material to copper cable will be piloted over the next few months.
“The aluminium alloy cable, which is clearly distinguishable from the standard copper cable does not have any resale value,” said Kau.
“Once the alternative cabling material has been thoroughly tested and approved for use, the challenge will be to educate the community on the new alternative material cables so as to reduce the occurrence of theft and vandalism.
“JRA is appealing to scrapyard owners to refrain from purchasing JRA assets when approached with such items.
“They are encouraged to report this to the JMPD, SAPS and other security organisations,” Kau said.
Anyone with information on activities of vandalism and theft is requested to contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.
