Traffic lights vandalism paralyzes Tshwane’s traffic flow. Image: City of Tshwane
Rising epidemic of traffic light vandalism paralyses Tshwane’s traffic flow
Tshwane City grapples with increasing traffic light theft and vandalism, disrupting traffic flow, as per the Roads and Transport Department.
Traffic lights vandalism paralyzes Tshwane’s traffic flow. Image: City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane is facing a growing problem of theft and vandalism of traffic lights. This is causing major disruptions to the city’s traffic flow, as reported by the City’s Roads and Transport Department.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable surge in incidents. Traffic lights in Tshwane have been either vandalized or had vital components stolen, such as transformers and controllers.
ALSO READ: Eskom owed a whopping R4.7b by City of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni
Many traffic lights in the city are not operating
Consequently, many intersections in the city are operating without traffic lights, leading to lengthy delays and an increased risk of accidents. The City is in the process of filing insurance claims to recover these losses.
Furthermore, the problem extends to traffic lights along provincial routes, maintained by a contractor appointed by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. The City’s technical maintenance teams consistently follow up with the province to ensure timely repairs.
ALSO READ: SAMWU leader fingered in torching of City of Tshwane waste truck
“Theft and vandalism of traffic lights pose a significant risk to residents, motorists, and pedestrians. While the City is working diligently to repair damaged lights, these crimes continue to disrupt traffic flow, compounded by intermittent power outages beyond the City’s control, such as load-shedding.”
City of Tshwane
What are residents urged to do?
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity around traffic lights to the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), rather than confronting those tampering with the lights.
ALSO READ: City of Tshwane restores power in Pyramid substation areas
“The City is implementing measures to deter future incidents, including security cameras and increased patrols in high-crime areas, but community cooperation is essential to prevent these crimes,” said the City.
Raising public awareness about this issue
To raise public awareness about this issue, the City is launching campaigns and disseminating messages across various communication platforms.
ALSO READ: WATCH: City of tshwane and ekurhuleni owe Eskom [VIDEO]
By collaborating with the community, the City aims to protect its traffic lights and ensure safe travel for residents. It is crucial that everyone plays a role in preserving these vital components of the city’s infrastructure.
