Theft, vandalism of traffic lights cost Gauteng govt R30m
The Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng says the theft and vandalism of traffic infrastructure has cost it over R30 million in the past financial year.
It says vandals damaged traffic lights at more than 400 intersections in the province during this period.
In some areas, the department has replaced the traffic lights with four-way stops to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
Departmental spokesperson Lesiba Mpya says the acts of vandalism and theft not only disrupt the functioning of essential traffic signal services but also pose a threat to public safety.
"The department is highly disturbed by the continuous destruction of road infrastructure, particularly traffic signals. We want to caution those responsible for this barbaric behaviour that we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that they are brought to book.”
Mpya says communities need to play their part in protecting the infrastructure by reporting any illegal or suspicious acts of criminality.
"We are going to embark on a road safety campaign, and part of this campaign is to ensure that there is heightened dialogue and engagements with all stakeholders indicating on the hazard that is done of this barbaric act of breaking infrastructure.”
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