The Removal of Faulty Traffic Lights in Oakland: How Stop Signs Are Being Used as a Necessity

Oakland, California city officials have recently decided to replace a faulty traffic light with stop signs at an intersection due to ongoing theft and maintenance issues. This move was not part of a traffic-calming initiative but rather a necessity for the city’s inability to keep the light operational. Local business owners have reported that copper has been repeatedly stolen from the signal’s electrical boxes, causing the light to go dark on multiple occasions.

As a result of this ongoing theft and maintenance issues, municipal workers removed the physical light and installed stop signs at the East 12th Street and 16th Avenue intersection. This change has led to increased caution from drivers navigating the area, according to auto shop owners in the vicinity.

Bruce Vuoing, owner of Quality Tech Automotive, explained that the stoplight rarely worked due to consistent theft of copper wiring. Despite attempts to repair the light, it would often go out again shortly after being fixed. Tam Le of Le’s Auto Body & Engine Repair expressed frustration with the city’s response, suggesting addressing homeless encampment near