Chapter 11 - Sedibeng District Municipality

SDM w ill fund safety campaigns and road safety programmes for its Local
Municipalities to educate and train road users regarding road safety matters.
Education and training w ill be carried out at schools, community centres and through
advertising.
9.4 Traffic Signals
(a)
Background
In the South African Road Signs Manual Volume 3: Traffic Signal Design, a very
detailed Traffic Signal Management Process is defined w hich, if implemented, w ill
ensure that a roads authority has a safe, efficient traffic signal system.
(b)
Problem Statement
A road authority that does not adhere to legislation, guidelines and good practices
leaves itself open to expensive liability suits. It is particularly important that
appropriate standards and guidelines be compiled w ith, w hile steps should be
instituted to ensure that faults and defects are speedily attended to.
(c)
Strategy
Risk Management Strategy
Road authorities undertake w ork that carries a substantial risk of litigation resulting
from cases of loss of property and injuries arising from accidents (collisions). It is
therefore imperative that risk management procedures should be introduced in order
to minimise the potential for accidents, thereby reducing the risk of litigation and being
held liable for damages.
Hence SDM w ill:
• ensure efficient and safe operation of the road netw ork;
• ensure that traffic signal systems operate as efficiently and safely as possible;
and
• ensure that traffic signals are properly installed, operated and maintained to
promote a good traffic flow and to minimise traffic accidents.
Traffic Signal Committee
Communication w ithin a road authority and w ith outside entities is an important
management function. Good relations w ith the public are also essential, particularly
when problems arise w ith traffic signalling.Each authority should establish an ad-hoc
traffic signal committee w ith the purpose of managing all aspects related to traffic
signals, including applications or requests for new traffic signal installations.
The traffic signal committee should consist of the follow ing members:
• manager of the traffic signal division;
• representatives of the municipal police;
• representatives of road and transportation departments, particularly those
involved w ith the planning and design of roads;
SDM DITP, 2008 to 2013 135 31 Aug 2010