The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is cracking down on reckless motorists who damage traffic-signal infrastructure, warning that it will now institute legal claims to recover repair costs from offenders.
The latest case involves a motorist who crashed into and destroyed traffic lights at the busy intersection of Hendrik Potgieter Road and Nic Diedericks Street in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
The department confirmed on Saturday, that it will pursue a claim against the motorist to recover the costs of repairs and restoring the infrastructure, subject to legal and evidentiary processes.
It is part of a tougher stance by the province as vandalism, cable theft, illegal connections and crash-related damage continue to cripple the traffic light network and drain millions from public funds.
“Some traffic signals are not simply old or faulty. Infrastructure is being vandalised, cables are being stolen, illegal connections are being made, and in some cases, traffic signal infrastructure is damaged in vehicle crashes. Every time this happens, public funds must be diverted to repairs that could have been avoided,” said Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
Diale-Tlabela said the damage goes beyond just broken lights – it puts lives at risk, causes gridlock at major intersections, and undermines efforts to provide safe and efficient roads.
“Such incidents undermine efforts to provide safe and efficient road infrastructure across the province,” she said.
The department says it intends to use this legal provision to send a strong message to reckless drivers.
According to the department, three motorists allegedly involved in drunk-driving incidents that damaged traffic signals have already been identified and cases are being processed. The Roodepoort incident is the latest where a claim will be instituted.
Gauteng has been battling a traffic light crisis for years.
The department says a large number of faults are caused by external factors – including vehicle collisions, many linked to speeding and drunk driving.
Diale-Tlabela has called on residents to become partners in protecting public infrastructure, urging them to report theft, vandalism or crash damage immediately.
“We need the public to be our eyes and ears on the ground. If you witness theft, vandalism, suspicious activity or damage to traffic-signal infrastructure, report it immediately. Do not assume someone else will. And never drink and drive. Protecting our roads and ensuring the safety of all road users is a shared responsibility,” she said.
The department says recovering costs from reckless drivers is not just about money, but about accountability.
“Every traffic light that is knocked down costs tens of thousands of rand to repair – money that could have been used to maintain roads, install new signals, or improve public transport.”
“We will institute claims where we can. Reckless behaviour on our roads must have consequences,” Diale-Tlabela sa
