Traffic Light Damage and Vandalism Incurs R120m Expense for Metro

The City of Ekurhuleni spent R120m to repair traffic lights during the previous financial year, which concluded in June 2022.

The substantial sum went towards restoring traffic signals that had suffered damage, often resulting from cable theft, vandalism, or motor vehicle accidents.

City officials expressed deep concern over the excessive costs incurred in replacing these essential traffic control devices, many of which succumbed to avoidable human actions.

In response to these challenges, the city has called on the public to act as vigilant watchdogs for the metro by reporting individuals engaged in illicit activities targeting public infrastructure designed to provide essential services to communities.

Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the metro, highlighted that in certain instances, damaged traffic lights would be substituted with stop signs due to budget constraints. While stop signs are a temporary solution, some intersections might retain them permanently. The process of permanently installing stop signs entails a thorough review to justify the removal of traffic signals by the guidelines outlined in the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARSM).

Also read: City of Ekurhuleni Allocates R1 Million for Traffic Light Replacement

Dlamini assured the public that the city remains committed to maintaining a 24-hour response time to address faulty or damaged traffic signals, ensuring a smooth and safe traffic flow.

While the city conducts routine inspections and maintains its traffic signals, residents are encouraged to promptly notify authorities if they encounter a damaged or malfunctioning traffic light. Citizens can report to the city’s call centre at 086 054 3000.

Ekurhuleni boasts 1,350 traffic lights, with approximately 1,127 under the municipality’s maintenance jurisdiction. The remaining signals are the responsibility of the Gauteng Provincial Government, which takes charge of rectifying any faults in the event of malfunction or damage.

A recent incident reported by our sister publication, Boksburg Advertiser, underscored the prevalence of cable theft and vandalism targeting traffic lights. Thieves seized an opportunity at the intersection of Rondebult and Pretoria roads shortly after a massive sinkhole forced the closure of Rondebult Road. Criminals vandalized traffic signals, targeting copper cables within the poles by uprooting or cutting off the traffic lights.

Source: Damage, vandalism to traffic lights costs metro R120m

Also read:

Johannesburg Requires R154 Billion to Tackle Road Infrastructure Backlog

Picture: X / firstladyDollar

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