The Johannesburg Roads Agency is taking preventative measures to try and curb the theft and vandalism of traffic lights which has reached alarming proportions.

According to the agency 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.

The JRA’s first major step in combating the scourge 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 vandalised signal, and approximately 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” says 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%.

An alternative material to copper cable will be piloted over the next few months. The aluminium alloy cable, which is clearly distinguishable from the standard copper cable, does not have any resale value.

JRA Acting MD Mpho Kau explains “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.

Other City of Johannesburg entities will also participate; these include City Power, Johannesburg Metro Police, as well as other role players that include the South African Police Service, NPA, Hawks, scrap dealers and security organisations, to ensure a consolidated campaign to combat this scourge.