The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a warning to individuals who steal traffic lights, indicating that harsh repercussions will ensue if they are caught.
The situation is increasingly intricate, as observed by the city. In Springs, the intersections at Zigzag and Wit roads, Main Reef Road and 4th Avenue, and Main Reef and Kingsway roads have been vandalised recently.
These are all major intersections with many cars passing by daily. Now these areas are affected by heavy traffic due to the traffic lights being stolen.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said it must be noted that not all of the traffic signals within the boundaries of the city belong to Ekurhuleni.
“Some of these signalised intersections belong to the province. Traffic signals vandalism is destruction of municipal property without purpose and is costly to the city,” he said.
“The cost depends on the damage caused to the intersection, and it can differ from as little as R15 000 to replace a few poles or signal heads to a few hundred thousand rands to reinstate a completely stolen/vandalised intersection,” said Dlamini.
When asked how many traffic lights have been vandalised in the city recently, he explained that out of the approximately 120 signalised intersections, 20 of them are vandalised. According to Dlamini, these numbers are growing.
“This is a real concern and it is dangerous because there is a real risk of loss of life and property, loss of time due to delays, driver frustration, and road rage. It affects the mobility of traffic, it increases travel costs and causes major delays. It also compromises road safety in a big way.”
Dlamini states that it is worth fixing because it makes the movement of vehicles and pedestrians safer and seamless.
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“However, if the vandalism happens regularly, regrettably then it is not worth it, as it will be regarded as fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Anyone with information that will help us address the vandalism must report it to the police,” said Dlamini.
These activities usually happen late at night, or during load-shedding. There is no turnaround time for repairs of a traffic light.
“The city always tries to repair the intersection as soon as possible, but for those intersections which are regularly vandalised, alternative measures will be considered.
“All of the above remains subject to the availability of funds. We will appreciate any support from the community or private security companies who are regularly patrolling their areas, by reporting any sign of vandalism to the police and the EMPD.
“We have an ongoing campaign encouraging the public to report infrastructure vandalism,” he said.
