The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has expressed “deep concern” regarding a recent surge in vandalism and theft targeting traffic signals within the province.

In a statement issued on January 29, the department said it was faced with an “enormous battle” of maintaining and protecting the province’s road traffic signals from what it said was rampant theft and vandalism.

The cost of the theft and vandalism amounted to R30-million in 2023 alone, with more than 400 signalised traffic intersections having been vandalised.

In certain areas, the department has taken the interim measure of converting signalised intersections into four-way stops to enhance safety while actively seeking alternative and sustainable methods for maintaining traffic signals.

The department said the criminal activities surrounding these incidents were inflicting significant economic losses on the province owing to the ongoing replacement and repair costs. It said that rebuilding the traffic signals for an intersection, on average, can range between R900 000 and R1.5-million.

Notably, high-profile intersections, such as the Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan De Wet intersection in Roodepoort, are repeatedly vandalised shortly after repairs, incurring costs exceeding R500 000 for each repair.

The department noted that these acts of vandalism and theft not only disrupt the functioning of essential traffic signal services but also pose a threat to public safety.

These incidents contribute to increased downtime for traffic signals, resulting in traffic jams, collisions and substantial costs for the department in rebuilding and replacing stolen equipment.

As part of its strategy to combat theft and vandalism, the department said it was actively engaging in partnerships to create awareness of the hazards associated with these persistent unlawful activities.

The department said it acknowledges the impact of these incidents and has urged the public to exercise caution and understanding as collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies are underway to address the issue.

Road users have been advised to treat non-functional traffic signals as four-way stops.

The department has appealed to the public to promptly report acts of vandalism.