Atlas Road traffic lights in Bonaero Park faulty for months

Residents and motorists have raised growing concerns regarding the malfunctioning traffic lights at the Atlas Road and Checkers intersection in Bonaero Park.

Local residents reported that the traffic signals have been malfunctioning for years and continue to pose a serious danger to the community.

Bonaero Park resident Marzanne van Niekerk said more than five accidents occurred at the intersection over the past month alone, raising urgent questions about why the problem has not been permanently resolved.

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“Despite numerous reports made to local Ward 23 Councillor Gerald Goslin, the issue remains unresolved. It has repeatedly been explained that the traffic signal does not simply require switching back on.

“There appears to be an underlying electrical or technical fault that causes the traffic light to operate for only a few hours before failing again.

“Each time the signal is restored, it functions for approximately three hours before reverting to a flashing red light, leaving motorists confused and creating dangerous traffic conditions.

“This temporary solution is clearly not addressing the root cause of the problem,” said Van Niekerk.

According to Van Niekerk, the Atlas Road and Checkers intersection is one of the busiest traffic routes in Bonaero Park, carrying thousands of vehicles daily.

She added that a malfunctioning traffic light at such a high-volume intersection significantly increases the risk of collisions, injuries and fatalities.

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Local residents are calling on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate the fault, carry out the necessary repairs and ensure that the traffic signal is fully operational on a permanent basis, rather than relying on repeated temporary fixes.

“The number of recent accidents should serve as a warning. Without immediate intervention, it is only a matter of time before a serious injury or loss of life occurs.

“The community cannot afford to wait until tragedy strikes before decisive action is taken.

“Motorists, pedestrians and local businesses deserve safe roads and functioning traffic infrastructure. The responsible authorities are urged to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves before another preventable accident occurs,” Van Niekerk added.

Goslin said these traffic signals have been inoperable for over six months, and intersections with faulty traffic signals have been reported continuously for over two years, with only the odd signal operating from time to time.

“This intersection is extremely busy and is used by a magnitude of motorists and pedestrians daily, with congestion peaking due to these faulty or non-functioning signals.

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“Not only does it add to the frustration of these commuters, but it also has a major safety factor, putting people’s lives at risk.

“There have been at least more than half a dozen hijackings and smash-and-grabs reported due to these faulty signals, not to mention the rate of accidents due to non-compliance with basic rules of the road,” Goslin said.

Goslin added that no timeframes have been established or suggested by the provincial department on this matter.

He said he and other affected councillors have followed up through mandated channels to the provincial department, which mainly consists of emails or driving to the provincial office to speak to officials in person, which seems to be the most effective manner.

Kempton Express reached out to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport on September 9 for comment and provided a deadline of September 14, but no response was received by the time of publication.