Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
MOTORISTS will be required to pay the cost of removing broken-down vehicles from roads as police in conjunction with Government departments and local authorities, intensify efforts to restore order on the country’s roads through a nationwide traffic enforcement operation.
The operation, code-named “Safe Corridor”, started on August 31 and targets traffic violations and vehicle-related activities that contribute to congestion, road accidents and the obstruction of traffic flow in central business districts, highways and other major roads.
The latest initiative comes as authorities seek to improve road safety and traffic management amid increasing vehicle numbers and congestion in urban centres.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation is specifically targeting vehicles that break down along highways, major roads and within CBDs and are left unattended for extended periods.
Many of these vehicles, he said, fail to display the mandatory red reflective warning triangles, posing a risk to other road users.
“This poses a danger to other road users and increases the risk of road traffic accidents in the country,” said Comm Nyathi.
“Some drivers or motorists are using tree branches, stones, boulders or other objects as reflective red triangles after breakdowns. This is against the country’s laws and road safety measures.
“The objects are not even removed from the roads after vehicles have been moved.”
Comm Nyathi added that unattended broken-down vehicles were increasingly causing traffic congestion and chaos, particularly during peak hours.
Police have also noted a growing number of motorists parking at undesignated points, loading or picking up passengers in prohibited areas and obstructing the smooth flow of traffic.
Comm Nyathi added that some operators of heavy transit vehicles are ignoring designated routes and driving through residential areas and city centres, creating congestion and increasing the risk of accidents.
Under the operation, vehicles found to be violating traffic laws will be impounded and only released after owners have complied with all legal requirements and clearance procedures.
“Vehicle owners will be made to meet the cost of any broken-down vehicle removed from the roads by the police, Government departments and local authorities,” said Comm Nyathi.
He encouraged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report vehicles that are obstructing traffic or have been abandoned on the roads.
Reports can be channelled through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or at the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, police have also expressed concern over a growing number of motorists driving vehicles without registration plates and others illegally fitting blue lights, sirens and other unauthorised equipment.
“It is regrettable for the Zimbabwe Republic Police to remind Zimbabweans that it is a serious offence for any motorist or individual to drive vehicles without number plates in the country or fit blue lights and other gadgets on vehicles which are not permitted,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba had directed all police stations, districts and provinces to take firm action against offenders.
Comm Nyathi warned that police would not entertain excuses from motorists found violating the law, saying strict enforcement was necessary to enhance road safety and maintain law and order across the country.
