Johannesburg new wardens
Johannesburg has appointed 200 traffic wardens to ease traffic caused by power cuts that black out traffic lights. Picture: MyCiti.

Home » ‘SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state,’ says transport expert

‘SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state,’ says transport expert

Loadshedding, vandalism, theft and lack of maintenance are the reason SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state. And it’s only getting worse.

07-08-23 20:55
Johannesburg new wardens
Johannesburg has appointed 200 traffic wardens to ease traffic caused by power cuts that black out traffic lights. Picture: MyCiti.

Speaking at the recent South African Transport Conference in Pretoria, Jan Coetzee, MD for Innovative Transport Solutions, said SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state. Granted, it doesn’t take an expert to point out the obvious …

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Anyone who has to negotiate a regular urban commute will have seen as much. But what is worrying is how endemic the problem is across South Africa, says Coetzee. And how the problems are only going to get worse unless a new approach is taken, reports Engineering News.

SA’S TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE IN A WOEFUL STATE

SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state
A typical scene at South African intersections. Picture: File.

So, if SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state, what are the reasons and broader ramifications behind this? Coetzee says, it’s an indicator of SA’s worsening transport infrastructure and economic woes.

“The impact of loadshedding, vandalism, theft and lack of maintenance means faulty traffic lights are not being fixed or replaced. There is also a lack of skills in maintenance departments to install or fix new traffic lights,” says Coetzee.

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And the fact that SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state is creating ever-increased congestion on South African roads. Which, in turn, is leading to a lack of productivity.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX IT?

SA’s traffic lights are in a woeful state
SA’s traffic lights issues are only going to get worse unless action is taken. Picture: File.

Coetzee says solar-powered traffic lights are an option. Except, this is not the silver bullet as criminals will no doubt target the high-tech installations. Moreover, maintenance from municipalities is currently reactive and should be more proactive.

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Coetzee concluded that the current funding system for traffic lights was inadequate, with existing lights not being effectively maintained by local government. While private developers are footing the bill for light installations in new security estates and boomed suburbs.

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