Relief for motorists as north traffic lights fixed
The non-working traffic lights have resulted in frequent traffic delays.
Motorists in Pretoria North were relieved after the Tshwane metro repaired traffic lights that had been out of order for months due to cable theft and vandalism.
The traffic lights at the intersections of E’skia Mphahlele Drive and Mansfield Avenue have been out since February; and Paul Kruger Street and Mansfield Avenue since April.
The faulty traffic lights have caused constant daily traffic delays during peak hours and motorists have raised concerns about being late to their destinations.
According to Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, all traffic signal cables had been stolen at the Paul Kruger and Mansfield intersection.
“Cables have been replaced and the intersection made operational on May 31.
“With regards to E’skia Mphahlele and Mansfield, all traffic signal cables, UPS and controller have all been stolen.
“All materials have been replaced and the intersection was made operational on June 4,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo said the Traffic Signal Sub-Section responds daily to all complaints associated with traffic signal faults.
“The aim, as per KPI performance indicator, is to respond to traffic signal faults, within four hours from being reported to the traffic signal team.
“In cases where vandalism and theft of materials and equipment is involved and requires total replacement, repairs do take considerably longer.
“This is due to a shortage of resources, funding and material to carry out such replacements,” he said.
He said in cases where cables have been stolen, extra care has been taken to secure the new cables with sand, heavy road building material, topped with concrete, to prevent the reoccurrence of incidences of cable theft.
Resident Pontso Tlou said she was happy that the traffic lights were fixed.
“I am happy because I used to spend about two hours on the road when returning home [Soshanguve P] because of those traffic lights not working,” said Tlou.
“I would be stuck in traffic for a long time because I use that route to go to work every day because I avoid the highway and it saves petrol but it is straining.
“The metro must act swiftly on such matters because such things affect our routine and plans,” said Tlou.
Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said cable theft is a major contributor to the traffic lights not working.
“The ongoing cable theft is a major concern for most parts of the north because these criminals target infrastructures which are beneficial to the community.
“We need more visibility in the affected areas and not only security companies but the residents need to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” said Meyer.
The metro also fixed the traffic light in front of High School Gerrit Maritz and it is now fully operational.
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