An audit by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics Gauteng’s reveals a traffic light crisis
With traffic lights malfunctioning across Gauteng, safety on the roads is at significant risk. From busy intersections to ongoing vandalism, learn how these challenges affect motorists and what solutions are being proposed to restore order and safety.
A recent audit by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics has revealed that 149 provincial traffic lights are currently non-operational, raising concerns about road safety and traffic congestion.
This information was disclosed during a meeting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Roads and Logistics Portfolio Committee. The audit, which assessed 400 provincial traffic lights, highlighted the significant number of malfunctioning signals, particularly at busy intersections such as Beyers Naudé Drive and Honeydew Road West, Malibongwe Drive and Witkoppen Road, and Winnie Mandela Drive and White Hills Boulevard.
Read more: Driving dangerously as majority of traffic lights in city not working
Evert du Plessis, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng spokesperson for roads and logistics, expressed alarm over the situation, stating, “It is worrying that so many robots are not working in the province, which could lead, not only, to accidents but also cause high volumes of traffic during peak hours.”
The issue of theft and vandalism of traffic lights has been identified as a major contributing factor to the malfunctioning signals.
Du Plessis emphasised the need for the department to explore alternative technologies to combat this ongoing problem. “The DA has initiated a petition encouraging motorists and residents to report instances of non-functioning, stolen, or vandalised traffic lights, advocating for a government that prioritises road safety and infrastructure maintenance.”
Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, noted that Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) was responsible for maintaining and repairing the city’s road infrastructure, including traffic lights.
He explained that traffic lights could malfunction for various reasons, including deliberate tampering by individuals directing traffic for monetary gain, accidents, theft of essential components, or power failures, which would fall into the purview of City Power.
“Once JRA determines that power failure is the cause of a malfunctioning traffic light, they will request assistance from City Power,” Mangena stated. “City Power will then prioritise the repair and restoration of power to the affected traffic lights to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of road users.” In addition to traffic lights, City Power is also grappling with the ongoing issue of vandalism affecting streetlights across Johannesburg.
Also read: Demand for fewer traffic light downtimes
Mangena highlighted that criminal elements have targeted the city’s electricity infrastructure, particularly in areas such as the inner city, Randburg, and Roodepoort.
These attacks have resulted in significant financial losses and safety concerns due to reduced visibility at night. Criminals often steal valuable components from streetlights, which are then used to establish illegal electricity connections, undermining the utility’s authority.
To address these challenges, City Power is investing in off-grid solar high-mast public lighting to enhance visibility and safety on the streets of Johannesburg.
MEC Spokesperson Mr Lesiba Mpya stated that the department has procured the services of contractors to undertake maintenance of traffic lights along provincial roads. “Contractors are currently working on the backlog of intersections that require urgent attention.
Mpya said that the department regrets the current situation and is working to bring out of order traffic signals back to service. “Note the department is working to put in place strategies for the security of infrastructure which requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, motorists, public members, and business on the importance of protecting the critical road infrastructure. This will be communicated in due course.”
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