Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
MOTORISTS in Harare have applauded City Parking’s introduction of self-service parking zones, saying the development adds convenience, reduces delays and eliminates tensions with parking marshals.
Drivers urged the company to expand the initiative to more parts of the central business district.
Mr Tonderai Mhlanga, who frequently parks along Third Street, said the move was long overdue.
“Sometimes you waste time waiting for a marshal or arguing over change. With self-service, you just pay and go. We need more streets to adopt this system,” he said.
Another motorist, Ms Rutendo Moyo, said digital payments made parking more efficient.
“It is faster and more transparent. I prefer scanning a QR code or using USSD than dealing with someone who may not even be around when you park,” she said.
“City Parking should extend this to busier sections.”
Local business owner Ms Sheila Dzimati also praised the change and said it eliminates disruptions to her daily operations.
“Sometimes we open our shop late because a marshal is not available or there is confusion over ticketing,” she said.
“This system is smooth. You just park, pay, and proceed. It is good for business.”
Taxi driver Mr Henerico Chitanda echoed similar sentiments and said automation reduces friction between drivers and marshals.
“Every day, somebody is arguing with a marshal, either about fees or time overstayed. With self-service, there is no arguing,” he said.
“It is clean and clear. They should introduce it on more streets, especially where taxis operate.”
Their comments follow City Parking’s announcement that, beginning December 1, 2025 two major sections of Harare’s CBD will operate on a fully digital, unmanned parking system.
The designated streets are Third Street (between Jason Moyo Avenue and Robert Mugabe Road) and Park Street (between Jason Moyo Avenue and Samora Machel Avenue).
In a statement, City Parking said the designated stretches will no longer have parking marshals on site.
“This means that the above sections of the mentioned streets will not be manned by Parking Marshals,” reads the statement.
“Drivers are advised to pay for parking using available self-service payment platforms.”
Motorists will make payments through any of the company’s digital channels, including scanning QR codes mounted on street signs, dialling *192#, using the WhatsApp chatbot on 071 951 5601, or downloading the Park Assist Mobile App.
City Parking said the shift was part of its wider digital transformation.
“As part of City Parking’s modernisation and digital transformation strategy, select parking areas will now operate on a self-service basis,” read the statement.
“These changes aim to enhance operational efficiency and improve the parking experience through the use of Artificial Intelligence and automation.”
The rollout marked one of the most significant technology upgrades in Harare’s parking management in recent years.
City Parking said more streets may be designated as self-service zones as the digitalisation programme expands.
Motorists have urged the company to prioritise congested and high-traffic areas in future phases to further ease parking challenges in the CBD.
