TRAFFIC lights are being switched off — by slugs.
The slithery molluscs have been squeezing into control boxes for warmth, but they then short-circuit the electrical system and fizzle to death.
GettyAt least one set of traffic lights a month is breaking down in one council area, causing traffic chaos.[/caption]
GettySlugs are squeezing into the electrical system of traffic lights and fizzling to death[/caption]
At least one set of lights a month is breaking down in one council area, causing traffic chaos.
A “slug squad” has now been set up by South Gloucs Council to prevent damage and secure sites.
In an online video, a maintenance engineer said: “Slugs are a big problem on all sites that haven’t been sealed correctly or are breaking down.
“They just short across terminals and cause major problems.”
A colleague added: “If there is a little hole anywhere, they will come in.
“You can reseal and make sure it’s watertight.”
Other pests also spark electrical havoc but slugs are “the worst”, the engineer revealed.
The council said: “Slugs, snails, spiders and mice are attracted by the warmth of our traffic light control cabinets but they can cause major issues — spinning webs that channel condensation or sliming across and shorting expensive circuit boards.
“This is by no means unique to South Gloucestershire.”