Gauteng Traffic Light Crisis – Gauteng is grappling with a significant safety issue as 149 traffic lights remain non-operational across the province, raising concerns about road accidents and congestion. A recent audit by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics revealed that these malfunctioning signals, particularly at busy intersections, pose risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.

Widespread Impact on Busy Intersections

The audit, which assessed 400 provincial traffic lights, highlighted critical faults at intersections like Beyers Naudé Drive and Honeydew Road West, Malibongwe Drive and Witkoppen Road, and Winnie Mandela Drive and White Hills Boulevard. These areas, already prone to heavy traffic, have seen increased congestion and a heightened risk of accidents due to the malfunctioning signals.

Vandalism and Theft as Major Culprits

One of the main contributors to this crisis is the widespread theft and vandalism of traffic lights. Evert du Plessis, the Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng spokesperson for roads and logistics, raised alarm over the situation, stressing that the non-functioning traffic lights could lead to accidents and exacerbate traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.

In response, the DA has launched a petition encouraging residents and motorists to report instances of non-functioning traffic lights. The party is pushing for greater government action to prioritize road safety and infrastructure maintenance.

Efforts to Address the Problem

City Power, responsible for power failures that impact traffic lights, is working with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to address the issue. JRA oversees the maintenance of traffic lights and is focusing on repairing the backlog of faulty intersections. Meanwhile, City Power is grappling with the additional challenge of streetlight vandalism, which has resulted in significant financial losses and heightened safety concerns, particularly in Johannesburg’s inner city, Randburg, and Roodepoort.

Gauteng Traffic Light Crisis: Road to Resolution

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Logistics has secured contractors to undertake urgent repairs on malfunctioning traffic signals. The department acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is committed to restoring functionality to the affected traffic lights. Additionally, steps are being taken to secure road infrastructure, including collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to prevent further vandalism and theft.

As Gauteng works to address the traffic light crisis, the urgency of restoring these critical systems to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic has never been clearer.