26/06/2015: JRA Strengthning fight against traffic light vandalism
Preventative measures have been taken by the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) to curb the theft and vandalism of traffic lights which has reached alarming proportions. More than 365 cases of theft and vandalism of the City’s traffic signals have been reported to the South African Police services (SAPS) over the past year alone. Currently 30 out of 2111 traffic signals across the City are out of order due to cable theft and traffic poles being cut and stolen.
A suspect was recently arrested by the JRA security contractor in the process of stealing traffic signal cables on Wemmer Pan /N17. The incident occurred in the early hours of the 17th June 2015. The Wemmer Pan/N17 on ramp has become a hot spot for vandalism and theft of traffic light copper cables. Other hot spot intersections that are repeatedly targeted (some within 24 hours of replacement) and are under constant siege by criminals are:
· Chris Hani Road and Aerodrome Road in Soweto has been targeted 44 times over the past year;
· Nasrec Road and M1 south Off Ramp in Aeroton has been targeted 26 times over the past year;
· Comaro Mooi Link/Wemmer Pan Road and North Road in Springfield Extension 4 has been hit 22 times;
· Comaro Mooi Link/ Wemmer Pan Road and M2 West on ramp in Springfield Extension 4 has been targeted 24 times over the past year;
· Bonsmara Road and Leer Road in City Deep Extension 1 has been hit 27 times; and
· Charles Road and Hamilton Road in Claremont has been targeted 21 times over the past year.
The first major step in combating the scourge by JRA was to install CCTV cameras and sensors to detect and respond to criminal acts of vandalism and theft. “It costs more than R300 000 to replace a vandalized signal, and approx. the same for security measures per intersection, therefore it should come as no surprise that the JRA has spent in excess of R10 million in dealing with theft and vandalism of traffic signals equipment and cables in the last financial year” said JRA Acting Managing Director Mpho Kau.
At the 30 intersections where CCTV cameras have been installed, theft of cables has reduced by between 60% and 80%.
Such acts of vandalism lead to the disruption of essential services and jeopardize public safety. Traffic signals are cut down for their copper wire, electrical components and traffic light poles. It is estimated the knock-on economic impact of traffic signal downtime due to stolen power or copper cables or other traffic light equipment, could run into billions of Rands, as non-functioning traffic lights lead to congested roads and impact on transit time for commuters.
An alternative material to copper cable will be piloted over the next few months. The aluminum alloy cable, which is clearly distinguishable from the standard copper cable does not have any resale value. JRA Acting MD Mpho Kau explained “Once the alternative cabling material has been thoroughly tested and approved for use, the challenge will be to educate the community on the new alternative material cables so as to reduce the occurrence of theft and vandalism”.
A further major preventative measure aimed at curbing theft and vandalism of traffic lights will be the launch of the JRA Infrastructure Protection Unit and a seminar addressing vandalism and theft of infrastructure across the City, to be held in August this year in collaboration with other City of Johannesburg entities such as City Power, Johannesburg Metro Police, as well as other role players that include the South African Police Service, NPA, Hawks, scrap dealers and security organizations, to ensure a consolidated campaign to combat this scourge.
JRA is appealing to scrapyard owners to refrain from purchasing JRA assets when approached with such items. They are encouraged to report this to the JMPD, SAPS and other security organisations.
JRA is also requesting members of the community to engage in Active Citizenry and report all acts of vandalism and theft of road infrastructure and City’s furniture. Anyone with information on activities of vandalism and theft is requested to contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre 0860 562 874 or report these criminal activities to the SAPS or JMPD.
About the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA)
The JRA is a City-owned agency responsible for the maintenance, repair and development of Johannesburg’s road network and storm water infrastructure, including bridges and culverts, traffic lights and signage.
The organisation is committed to providing quality roads that are accessible, safe and liveable for our communities. The JRA encourages residents to report road and storm water issues to 0860 562 874/ hotline@jra.org.zaThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / twitter @MyJra so that we may be of service.
Issued by:
Bertha Peters-Scheepers
Ops Manager: Marketing and Communications
Johannesburg Roads Agency
Tel: 011 298 5023 / 079 510 4186
Email: bscheepers@jra.org.za
