UPDATE: Budget woes leave Brakpan’s broken traffic lights in the dark
According to the CoE, the rate of vandalism is driving up costs.
Budget constraints are one of the main challenges causing delays to the repairs of broken traffic lights in Brakpan.
This is according to the City of Ekurhuleni and in response to the article published in last week’s edition of the Brakpan Herald (Broken traffic lights cause havoc).
It was reported how numerous broken traffic lights throughout the town have resulted in motorists having to fend for themselves on the road.
Asked if there is a timeline for the repair of specific intersections, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini replied the turnaround time depends on the issue that needs to be resolved, and availability of resources to do the work.
He also stated the budget allocated for traffic light repairs is approximately R100 000 per month.
“However, the city is spending more than the allocated budget monthly due to the rate of vandalism. There is no in-house capacity for repairs and maintenance of traffic signals. The city uses appointed service providers for this function.
“These service providers have adequate capacity,” he said.
With regards to the safety risks that the broken traffic lights pose, especially in high traffic areas, Dlamini explained the city normally deploys the EMPD and traffic wardens as and when required.
“In some cases the signalised intersections are converted back to all-way controlled intersections,” he said.
As for traffic lights not working on provincial roads, such as the R23, Dlamini confirmed the city does notify province about these.
“Province is warned and they have their turnaround times,” he added.
Residents are urged to report non-working traffic lights to the CoE call centre on 0860 54 3000 or log a fault on the MyCoE App.
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