Traffic light underworld bleeds Gauteng to the tune of R30m
Tshwane in October 2023 planned to deter theft and vandalism of traffic lights through the installation of security cameras and increased patrols in high-crime areas.
A bill to repair stolen and vandalised traffic lights in Gauteng in 2023 surpassed R30-million, leaving the province in distress.
The Department of Roads and Transport has become agitated by the strong unmatched force of criminality that has left commuting disrupted across various provincial routes.
Departmental head of communications Melitah Madiba said a traffic light criminal underworld was a deep concern for the road and transport authorities.
“There is an alarming surge in vandalism and theft targeting traffic signals within the province.
The department is faced with an enormous battle of maintaining and protecting the province’s road traffic signals from rampant theft and vandalism.
This battle has jumped to over R30-million in the past year (2023) alone, with over 400 signalised traffic intersections having been vandalised.”
She said rebuilding an intersection was invoiced between R900 000 and R1.5-million on average.
“High-profile intersections such as Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan De Wet are repeatedly vandalised shortly after repairs, incurring costs exceeding R500 000 per repair.
The criminal activity surrounding these incidents is inflicting economic losses on the province, with replacement and repair costs reaching millions.”
Madiba said vandalism and theft disrupted the functioning of essential traffic signal services but also posed a threat to public safety.
“These incidents contribute to increased downtime for traffic signals, resulting in an unfavourable user experience, road crashes, and substantial cost for the department in rebuilding and replacing stolen equipment.”
Madiba said in certain areas, the department had taken the interim measure of converting signalised intersections into four-way stops.
She said this was to enhance safety while actively seeking alternative and sustainable methods for maintaining traffic signals.
The department as part of its strategy would also engage in partnerships to create awareness of the hazards associated with these persistent unlawful activities.
Recently, within the boundaries of Tshwane, the metro raised concern over a spate of theft and vandalism of traffic lights disrupting various intersections.
According to Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba, the local roads and transport department witnessed a sharp increase in the number of traffic lights vandalised in 2023.
Bokaba said the stolen parts that are stolen often include transformers.
@MyJRA Traffic lights are not working. Corner le Roux avenue and old Pretoria Rd. Please attend.time and fuel wasted pic.twitter.com/vnrLxJpgL8
— Moe Joe (@JozieReZi) January 29, 2024
When do you start reparing Traffic Lights? For example: The turning arrow at R55 direction South turning into Wierda Road has not worked for almost 2 years. Many accidents there as a result
— I am TMan (@ThabokTk) January 29, 2024
“This has led to many intersections operating without traffic lights, leading to long delays and an increased risk of accidents. Insurance claims are being processed in an attempt to recover such losses.”
Bokaba also noted the increased vandalism of traffic lights along provincial routes.
He said the metro technical maintenance team would regularly follow up with the province to ensure intersections are repaired timeously.
“Theft and vandalism of traffic lights is a serious problem that is putting residents at risk,” Bokaba said.
“Tshwane is working to repair damaged traffic lights as quickly as possible, but these crimes are having a significant impact on traffic flow and the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.
These problems are also compounded by intermittent power outages due to several reasons, including load-shedding, which is out of the city’s control.”
The city urged residents to immediately report any suspicious activity around traffic lights to the TMPD.
Communities are cautioned not to confront people found tampering with a traffic light, but rather report them to the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096.
Bokaba in October 2023, announced that Tshwane would install security cameras and increase patrols in high-crime areas to deter theft and vandalism of traffic lights.
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