Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has expressed concern over the growing number of vehicles left unattended on roadsides for extended periods, warning that it will work with other government agencies to remove them, with the costs passed on to their owners.
In a statement on Tuesday, TSCZ managing director, Munesu Munodafawa said stalled and stationary vehicles were increasingly becoming a danger to motorists in both urban areas and along highways, contributing directly to road traffic accidents.
“It is happening in urban areas and, regrettably, on the highways. What we need to appreciate as Zimbabweans is that a number of accidents are directly attributed to this new development happening in our country,” he said.
Munodawafa emphasised that motorists should not leave broken-down vehicles parked or unattended on the roadside for long periods, as this placed other road users at risk.
“Under Statutory Instrument 219 of 2015, motorists are required to carry reflective warning triangles and place them between 30 and 50 metres on either side of a stalled vehicle,” he said.
Munodafawa explained that the triangles alerted approaching motorists to an obstruction ahead, giving them time to slow down, position their vehicles safely without obstructing traffic behind them.
“If we continue to have this challenge, we will be working flat out with other State institutions to ensure that any dangerously parked vehicle, whether in urban areas or on the highway, is removed.
“Obviously, it will come with a cost that goes to the vehicle owner,” he said.
New Ziana
