 | UPS roll-out at Drakenstein traffic lights gets momentum
08 August 2022 | Press Releases |
Press Releases
8 Aug 2022
Drakenstein Municipality (covering Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda, Saron, Hermon and Simondium in the Western Cape) is moving along swiftly with its programme to install Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) equipment at traffic signal installations to ensure they remain active for as long as possible during Eskom loadshedding, or when power supply is interrupted due to cable theft or vandalism.
“Of the 47 sets of traffic lights in Drakenstein, 17 sets already have UPS assistance,” says Alderman Conrad Poole, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. “During the 2022/23 financial year, the Municipality will install 10 additional UPS systems. We will budget annually for the installation of UPS systems so that all traffic lights in Drakenstein will eventually be UPS equipped.”
The R128 million upgrade of Oosbosch Street in Paarl (from Berg River Boulevard to Jan van Riebeeck Drive), which was officially declared open in October last year, included the reportedly first-ever-in-Africa underground housing of traffic signalling equipment to prevent theft and vandalism.
The UPS, batteries, controller and other equipment for the traffic signals are housed in underground chambers. These chambers are equipped with alarms that can detect attempts to gain unauthorised access.
To facilitate work on the equipment, the equipment can be hoisted to above ground level to allow user input and maintenance at eye level.
The Municipality has installed this modern underground equipment at four crossings. All future crossings in Drakenstein will be fitted with such installations, while existing installations will be retrofitted with these chambers.
“The smooth, regulated flow of traffic is vital for business, development, tourism and for our local residents – commuting, driving their children to and from school, and going about their daily business. Not only does it minimise congestion and mean less time on the road, but it also makes our roads safer and supports lower emissions,” says Alderman Poole.
“The Municipality is making all efforts to facilitate continuous movement on our roads. We call on our road users to report all outages and possible vandalism to our toll-free number, 080 131 3553,” he concludes.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
