The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) will have to fork out over R3.1 million to repair traffic lights at intersections that have been vandalised around the city.
JRA spokesperson Thulani Makhubela says traffic lights with GPS technology are being targeted specifically. “Not all the robots in the city have the devices, but they [vandals] are going specifically for those with the technology. We don't know where they're getting the information from.”
He explains that these hi-tech traffic lights contain GPS devices, SIM cards and modems, which are used to transmit information to the JRA control centre, for instance, in the case of malfunction.
Makhubela adds that the agency is still waiting for its service providers to confirm if the stolen SIM cards are being used to make calls.
Organised crime
“We know that these people are targeting the intersections with the GPS devices. They are co-ordinated and very organised.”
The vandalism started in October and 144 intersections have been targeted thus far. Makhubela also says repairs will cost approximately R22 000 per intersection.
He adds that the JRA is getting its suppliers to see what security measures can be put in place to combat this problem.
Related story:
IT takes hit in Joburg budget
Share
