Malfunctioning traffic lights cause chaos
A TERRIFIED motorist claims she was scared out of her wits after her light vehicle was almost smashed by a speeding minibus taxi at a busy intersection in Seshego because of malfunctioning traffic lights last week.
SESHEGO – A TERRIFIED motorist claims she was scared out of her wits after her light vehicle was almost smashed by a speeding minibus taxi at a busy intersection in Seshego because of malfunctioning traffic lights last week.
Many traffic lights within the Polokwane Municipality have being dysfunctional in recent times, due to either load shedding, cable theft or routine maintenance failure. As a result, motorists and pedestrians’ safety have been a serious cause for concern.
Judith Lamola of Seshego zone 4 said her recent weekend holiday almost ended in tears after a taxi driver allegedly ignored the dysfunctional traffic light at the Seshego Circle.
This incident, according to the petrified motorist, happened last Sunday. “I was travelling along the road from Seshego zone 2 and made a complete stop at the intersection. Realising that the traffic lights were dysfunctional, I stopped as road traffic rules advise us to do so at malfunctioning traffic lights. However, a speeding minbus just drove past at a hair-raising speed. I tried to hoot at the driver but he ignored me.”
Apart from this traffic light, the traffic light at the corner of Khensani and Freedom Drive is also constantly broken.
In Mankweng, the traffic lights next to the mall in Turfloop are also unstable. The recurring confusion caused by scores of dysfunctional traffic lights is also prevalent in Polokwane’s central business district, as well as on its outskirts.
The department of transport is aware of these inconveniences. The department’s spokesperson, Kagiso Mootane, said he frequently warned motorists of these mishaps all over the province.
Explaining the recurring traffic light malfunctioning, spokesperson for the Polokwane Municipality, Tidimalo Chuene said an electrical cable was cut in a perceived cable theft act. “This led to a power outage in Emdo, Mahlasedi Park, Rethabile and surrounding areas. Repair teams are currently dealing with the situation. However, it is difficult at this point to give an estimated time of completion.”
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