'The prefabricated chambers are installed a few meters underground and attached to a concrete base. The traffic signal controllers and UPS system are stored inside the chamber which is then sealed with a coded mechanical locking system. The chamber is non-metallic and ribbed for strength and has no resale value. Given that it is underground, attached to concrete, and can only be opened by trained technicians, we trust that this new innovation will be the solution to the ongoing theft and vandalism of expensive City equipment at hotpot intersections,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

The first installation took place at a hotspot intersection in Belhar, and if proven to be successful, more underground chambers will be installed at other intersections in coming months.

'Currently, our traffic signal equipment is stored above ground which makes it an easy target for thieves and vandals. Also, the equipment often gets damaged during crashes. Should this pilot initiative work, the City could save millions in stolen and damaged equipment. It will also allow our staff to focus on preventative maintenance and road users will benefit as this new innovation could ensure that we keep traffic signals in working order,' said Councillor Quintas.

The installation of the underground chambers is no easy task. First off, the cables have to be refitted and placed underground. It also requires digging of a sizable hole for the fitting of the chamber and concrete base, and then the refilling of the hole.

The prefabricated underground utility manhole is a South African invention, locally designed and manufactured.

Traffic signal cables, controllers, electronic components and UPS units, including the batteries, are most susceptible to theft and vandalism.

'The replacement cost of one traffic signal controller varies between R70 000 and R150 000, depending on the size and complexity of the intersection. A new UPS unit, inclusive of the batteries, costs approximately R50 000. In the past financial year alone we spent just over R2 million on replacing and repairing stolen and vandalised traffic signal equipment.