During South Africa’s longest stretch of loadshedding between 2022 and 2024, some citizens used it as an opportunity to direct traffic at busy intersections for tips. Now, as we surpass 200 days without planned power cuts, this income source ended for many. Yet, drivers in Fourways believe these ‘informal pointsmen’ are now disconnecting traffic lights.
Residents have pointed out that certain traffic lights are disabled during daylight hours and are back on again at night. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, expands: “No official action or confirmation of this was issued. Whether suspicions are true or not, drivers should be particularly wary of following the directions of illegal pointsmen.
“It is extremely dangerous for untrained individuals to direct traffic in some of the busiest and most complex intersections in South Africa. Official pointsmen and traffic officers receive training to safely direct drivers and decrease the risk of collision. Illegal pointsmen have neither the training nor the authority to do the same.”
Should one encounter an illegal pointsman, the City of Johannesburg has asked motorists to not tip them. “If they are involved in disconnecting the lights, removing the financial benefit will discourage this. This can be difficult as there are reports that some illegal pointsmen get aggressive and even violent if not tipped.
“Anticipate traffic conditions to limit the time you are stationary, leave larger following distances or spaces between your vehicle and the one in front and keep windows closed and valuables out of sight to limit interactions with illegal pointsmen. Additionally, let the authorities handle it and avoid initiating negative contact.”
Do not give illegal pointsmen the same faith and trust that you would give trained officials. “Even those with training in alleviating traffic flow recognise there is higher risk of collisions under manual direction. Never proceed through an intersection with blind trust.
“Check all directions as you would if there was no one directing traffic. Remember, an illegal pointsman has no legal authority either. If you proceed despite seeing a potential collision, neither authorities nor insurers will care that you were directed to do so by an illegal pointsman.”
In theory, one should ignore directions from illegal pointsmen as they have no authority. “In reality, however, this can be difficult. When there are drivers following their directions, it may result in a situation where not following the traffic flow can be more dangerous.
“Wherever possible, treat intersections without traffic lights as a four-way stop. If surrounding drivers follow directions of the illegal pointsmen making it difficult to stop, follow the flow of traffic while being extremely cautious. Slow down as much as possible and check all directions for drivers that are ignoring the directions.”
While some intentions may be positive, an illegal pointsman has no authority or training to manage intersections. “The correct response can be difficult to decide on as it is unique to each situation. Make the most informed decision possible with the understanding that intersections without working traffic lights should be treated as four-way stops if there is no official pointsman directing traffic,” says Herbert.
