Thieves target traffic lights' backup power

JOHANNESBURG - Traffic lights are often not working when there’s load-shedding and this is costing us time and money.

Backup power for traffic lights such as batteries are often targeted by criminals.

READ: SA's electricity crisis | Solutions to Eskom's power problems

The City of Johannesburg is considering adding solar panels to help keep traffic lights on and traffic flowing in areas with low-risk theft and vandalism.

Managing director at Innovative Transport Solutions, Jan Coetzee says solar-powered backup is impossible due to high costs.

Coetzee says battery-powered backup is the best solution and the government should improve security to prevent theft and vandalism.

He said, "we started with a lot work on solar power traffic signals back in 2008. It is still the same, they put up solar panels next to traffic lights doesn’t make sense if you got off grid supply, when you can rather put up battery supply."

"The challenge is the batteries become a target for theft and vandalism but it is still the best solution. One should rather spent money on focusing on large intersection, put in measures to prevent theft to protect batteries than put up solar panels."