Harare, (New Ziana) – Police have launched a nationwide operation targeting motorists whose vehicles cause traffic congestion and road obstructions, amid growing concerns over unsafe practices on the country’s roads.
Dubbed Operation “Safe Corridor”, the crackdown, which commenced on August 31, is targeting broken-down vehicles left unattended along highways, major roads and in central business districts (CBDs), particularly those without the required red reflective triangles.
Police national spokesperson, Paul Nyathi said such vehicles posed a serious danger to other road users and increased the risk of accidents.
“Vehicles which are breaking down along highways, major roads and Central Business Districts, with some left unattended for extended periods while not displaying red reflective triangles, pose a danger to other road users and increase the risk of road traffic accidents in the country,” he said.
Nyathi warned motorists against using makeshift objects such as tree branches, stones and boulders as substitutes for reflective warning triangles following vehicle breakdowns.
“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,” he said.
He said the problem was compounded by motorists who leave such objects on the road even after their vehicles have been removed, creating additional hazards for other road users.
The police operation is also targeting vehicles that obstruct traffic in CBDs and residential areas, particularly during peak hours.
According to Nyathi, some motorists were parking at undesignated points and picking up or dropping off passengers within CBDs, while operators of heavy transit vehicles were failing to consistently use designated routes through business districts and residential areas.
“These activities are causing chaos and congestion in Central Business Districts and residential areas during traffic peak hours,” he said.
Police warned that vehicles found violating the law could be impounded, with their release subject to completion of the requisite clearance procedures and compliance with legal requirements.
Vehicle owners will also be required to meet the costs incurred when their broken-down vehicles are removed from roads by police, Government departments or local authorities.
Police urged motorists and the public to cooperate with officers during the operation, saying the initiative was aimed at maintaining law and order, improving road safety, easing congestion and ensuring the smooth movement of traffic.
New Ziana
