Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has revealed that the city is facing a major battle against the vandalism of traffic lights, with criminals damaging and stealing components across multiple areas of the metro.
The issue has led to numerous dysfunctional traffic lights, sparking frustration among motorists and residents, who believe that the municipality is not doing enough to repair and maintain them.
Speaking at a media briefing in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday, Morero assured the public that a plan is being developed to tackle the crisis and improve traffic management in the city.
Syndicate Behind Vandalism and Copper Theft
Morero pointed out that the city is dealing with a new syndicate targeting traffic lights, primarily for copper cables and SIM cards used in modern traffic management systems.
“One of the major problems we are experiencing is vandalism. You fix it today, and three days later you are back to square one,” said Morero.
He elaborated that criminals often:
- Steal SIM cards from traffic lights, disrupting automated systems.
- Cut traffic lights at the base, rendering them completely unusable.
- Remove copper wiring, which is then sold to illegal scrap dealers.
These thefts have resulted in perpetual malfunctions at key intersections, making it difficult for the city to maintain a fully functional traffic system.
Plans to Combat Traffic Light Dysfunction
In response to the crisis, Morero assured residents that a plan is in motion to address the problem of malfunctioning traffic lights.
“There is a proposed model that we are trying to work on as it relates to traffic lights. We just need the teams to finalize it,” said Morero.
The plan includes:
- Partnering with the private sector, particularly advertising companies, to help maintain and protect traffic lights.
- Exploring new technology that is less vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
- Implementing stricter security measures around key intersections.
While details are still being finalized, the city believes that private sector involvement could provide the funding and oversight needed to prevent further damage to infrastructure.
Traffic Congestion Worsens Due to Malfunctioning Signals
The persistent issue of dysfunctional traffic lights has significantly contributed to increased congestion on Johannesburg’s roads, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Many major intersections have become chaotic as a result of non-functional signals, leading to:
- Longer travel times for commuters.
- Increased road accidents due to the lack of proper traffic control.
- Frustration among motorists, many of whom believe that authorities are failing to act swiftly.
Metro Police to Assist in Managing Traffic Flow
To help alleviate the crisis, Morero announced that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has agreed to deploy officers to manage traffic at major intersections during peak hours.
“An agreement has been made with the Metro Police to help manage traffic during the morning and evening rush hours at all major intersections in the city,” said Morero.
This means that:
- More officers will be stationed at critical points to direct traffic manually.
- Authorities will be able to respond more quickly to congested areas.
- Motorists can expect improved flow at high-traffic locations, even if some traffic lights remain out of order.
While this is a temporary solution, it is expected to ease the burden on drivers while the city works on long-term plans to restore Johannesburg’s traffic system.
Vandalism and Cable Theft: A Citywide Crisis
The vandalism of traffic lights is part of a larger crisis affecting infrastructure across Johannesburg. Criminal syndicates have wreaked havoc on essential services, targeting:
- Electricity substations
- Water meters
- Railway infrastructure
- Public lighting
Many believe that stricter laws and better enforcement are needed to deter criminals from continuing these acts of destruction.
Public Calls for Urgent Action
Johannesburg residents have taken to social media and community forums to express frustration over the city’s deteriorating infrastructure.
Some key concerns include:
- Delays in fixing traffic lights, which many feel are left broken for weeks or months.
- Lack of visible law enforcement to prevent theft and vandalism.
- Insufficient maintenance plans to ensure long-term solutions.
Many residents have urged the city to act faster, suggesting that CCTV cameras and increased police patrols could help protect critical infrastructure.
Next Steps: What to Expect
With the city’s plan still in development, motorists and residents will have to rely on manual traffic control by Metro Police in the interim.
However, Morero has promised that further updates will be provided as the private sector partnership model takes shape.
In the meantime, authorities are urging Johannesburg residents to report vandalism and suspicious activity through the city’s crime tip-off platforms, ensuring that culprits are brought to justice.
This remains a developing story, with more details expected in the coming weeks.