Several traffic signals under the control of the Western Cape Government along the N2 have not been functional in the Helderberg area for months now, much to the frustration of motorists, but it seems some action is finally being taken.
The faulty traffic lights have resulted in daily traffic delays, especially during peak traffic hours.
The provincial government has apologised for the inconvenience this has caused to motorists travelling in the area.
“In many instances, these signals have been vandalised,” reads a statement from the provincial department of infrastructure.
“The vandalism and damage ranged from vehicle-crash damage to theft and unlawful electricity connections.”
The affected traffic signals include:
. N2 and Reunion Drive/Hlati Drive
. N2 and Overwacht Road
. N2 and Mondeor Road
. N2 and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road
. R102 and Old Faure Road
. R102 and Croydon Vineyard and Olive Estates/Kelderhof
According to the department the current delay in repairs can be attributed to a lack of stock of the replacement hardware and the initial delay in restoring electricity to the sites has since been resolved.
The department elaborated that to mitigate the risk of future vandalism at these sites the installation of underground concrete chambers is being done and the chambers are scheduled for delivery within the next few weeks.
“A further complication has been a backlog in the supply of the controller boxes,” the department stated.
“This was due to all stock being bought by a local authority. The Infrastructure department is in regular contact with the supplier to ensure that they keep to the committed timeline for delivery.”
Speaking on the processes to finding a permanent solution, The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said: “Where it has been possible, we have been repairing traffic signals.
“Unfortunately, the type of damage at most of the intersections has been such that a temporary solution is not suitable. I have instructed my team to expedite the repairs once the hardware has arrived.
“I will be engaging the Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie as well as the City of Cape Town to support the traffic flow with point duty officers until the signals are repaired. However, I am aware that this will be resource dependent.”
Road users are reminded that where traffic signals flash red or are not functional, these should be treated as stop signs.
