Peter Matika [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating a case of a motorist who allegedly ran over and injured a traffic and parking control parking marshal after attempting to drive away to evade having his vehicle clamped for improper parking.
The incident, which occurred along Fife Street between 9th and 10th Avenue on Saturday afternoon, has raised concerns over the safety of parking enforcement officers who routinely face confrontations with motorists while carrying out their duties.
The motorist, who was not identified, a 28-year-old man from Nkulumane suburb, allegedly struck the TTI parking marshal while attempting to escape after noticing that an enforcement team was about to clamp his Toyota Aqua, which had been improperly parked along the street.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the incident occurred at around 1.31PM on October 24.
“Police in Bulawayo are investigating a serious road traffic accident which occurred along Fife Street between 9th and 10th Avenue, Bulawayo, where a pedestrian was injured,” she said.
Insp Msebele said the motorist had parked his vehicle in a side-parking area but had not done so properly.
“When he saw that the parking enforcement personnel team was about to clamp his motor vehicle, he tried to escape and in the process, he hit one of the team members,” she said.
The parking marshal sustained bruises on the right thigh and knee and was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
His condition was reported to be stable.
Police attributed the accident to the driver’s alleged failure to keep a proper lookout, adding that a charge of negligent driving was being preferred against him.
Insp Msebele warned motorists against recklessly driving off or attempting to evade parking enforcement officers when their vehicles are about to be clamped.
“Attempting to drive away in such circumstances, without keeping a proper lookout, can result in serious injuries or loss of life. Drivers must exercise caution, obey parking regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement personnel,” she said.
“This is one incident that highlights the risks faced by parking marshals, who are often confronted by motorists disputing parking fees, penalties and enforcement procedures,” Insp Msebele.
She said while disagreements over parking regulations may arise, motorists are expected to follow lawful enforcement procedures rather than resorting to dangerous manoeuvres that put the lives of enforcement officers and other road users at risk.
Police have urged motorists to exercise patience and observe traffic regulations, warning that reckless driving and failure to exercise due care can have serious consequences.
Authorities continue to emphasise the need for cooperation with parking enforcement personnel as part of efforts to maintain order on Bulawayo’s streets and protect those responsible for enforcing municipal parking regulations.
