Thieves let lights go out for JRA

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The theft of the last traffic light battery has sunk a R14 million project that the road agency launched in 2012.

In 2012 the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) installed 200 battery operated traffic lights, including in Roodepoort, at a cost of R70 000 each. Brazen thieves have now stolen all of them and JRA can only replace 50.

This is a blow to motorists and the economy since these batteries have to supply emergency power during power failures.

Last year criminals have also stolen other traffic infrastructure at a cost of R10 million.

Spokesperson for JRA Bertha Scheepers has said that due to congestion productivity in the city decreases significantly.