The Urban Roads Authority has reacted to faulty traffic lights across the country’s capital, highlighted by Happy FM initiative, “#FixTheTrafficLight”.
According to the authority, the primary concern revolves around the theft of the traffic signal controller, which has reportedly been missing since 25 April 2023.
Urban Roads in a letter signed by Ing. James Amoo-Gottfried, Director, also identified some challenges faced in promptly addressing and fixing the damaged system, highlighting a disturbing trend of theft, vandalism, vehicular crashes and high-voltage incidents at various junctions across the city.
“The traffic signal controller serves as the brain and most expensive part of the system and when taken away shuts down. The theft, vandalization, vehicular crashes, and high voltage are trends observed at many of the junctions and the associated cost per year far outweighs the yearly traffic signal maintenance budget, thus the Department’s late response in activating the junction to function every day.
Hence, to rectify the situation, Urban Roads has officially notified the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) police for assistance in manning the malfunctioning junction.
“The contractor has submitted cost for replacement of stolen controllers and damaged signal equipment and program to bring these junctions to its full functionality,” the letter read.
The department has also appealed to Happy FM and the media to help educate and sensitize the public about the importance of safeguarding these safety devices. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and prevent further incidents of theft and vandalism.
Director of Urban Roads, Ing. James Amoo-Gottfried further expressed his commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the smooth operation of traffic lights especially on the Hilla Limann Highway and other affected junctions