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BCC defends midnight vehicle impoundment operations amid backlash
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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is standing firm on its decision to tow away illegally parked vehicles, despite public criticism. Last week, the council impounded 36 vehicles during midnight operations across four western suburbs, enforcing city by-laws without prior warnings.
Targeted Areas and Fines
In the operations, eight vehicles were towed in Nketa 6, while seven were impounded in Nketa 9. In Pumula East, 12 vehicles were confiscated, and nine were removed from Njube.
Motorists with impounded vehicles face significant fines, as explained by BCC corporate communications manager, Mrs. Nesisa Mpofu:
Small vehicles (up to seven passengers): US$100 per day, Medium vehicles (eight passengers or more): US$150 per day, heavy vehicles and buses: US$240 per day
"The storage fees are charged daily until the vehicle is collected," said Mrs. Mpofu.
Legal Backing
The operation is conducted under the City of Bulawayo Clamping and Tow-Away By-Law SI 220 of 2023. According to section 19, subsection 1, parking is only permitted in designated areas under council control. Vehicles parked improperly or without authorization are subject to impoundment.
Auction Threat for Unclaimed Vehicles
Vehicles that remain unclaimed for 30 days risk being auctioned off.
"SI 220 of 2023, paragraph five, states that council will publish a list of immobilized vehicles in local newspapers. Owners have 30 days to claim their vehicles, after which the council will sell them by public auction," explained Mrs. Mpofu.
Public Response
The operations have sparked mixed reactions, with some residents accusing the council of being heavy-handed and exploitative. However, the council has defended the initiative, citing the need to maintain order and ensure compliance with city by-laws.
"This exercise is not about punishing motorists but ensuring the orderly use of public spaces," said Mrs. Mpofu.
Crackdown to Continue
The BCC has indicated that these impoundment operations will continue, with no prior warnings to offenders. Motorists are urged to adhere to parking regulations to avoid hefty fines and the risk of losing their vehicles.
Call for Awareness
Some community members have called for increased public awareness about the by-laws to prevent further backlash and non-compliance. However, the council remains resolute, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Targeted Areas and Fines
In the operations, eight vehicles were towed in Nketa 6, while seven were impounded in Nketa 9. In Pumula East, 12 vehicles were confiscated, and nine were removed from Njube.
Motorists with impounded vehicles face significant fines, as explained by BCC corporate communications manager, Mrs. Nesisa Mpofu:
Small vehicles (up to seven passengers): US$100 per day, Medium vehicles (eight passengers or more): US$150 per day, heavy vehicles and buses: US$240 per day
"The storage fees are charged daily until the vehicle is collected," said Mrs. Mpofu.
Legal Backing
The operation is conducted under the City of Bulawayo Clamping and Tow-Away By-Law SI 220 of 2023. According to section 19, subsection 1, parking is only permitted in designated areas under council control. Vehicles parked improperly or without authorization are subject to impoundment.
Vehicles that remain unclaimed for 30 days risk being auctioned off.
"SI 220 of 2023, paragraph five, states that council will publish a list of immobilized vehicles in local newspapers. Owners have 30 days to claim their vehicles, after which the council will sell them by public auction," explained Mrs. Mpofu.
Public Response
The operations have sparked mixed reactions, with some residents accusing the council of being heavy-handed and exploitative. However, the council has defended the initiative, citing the need to maintain order and ensure compliance with city by-laws.
"This exercise is not about punishing motorists but ensuring the orderly use of public spaces," said Mrs. Mpofu.
Crackdown to Continue
The BCC has indicated that these impoundment operations will continue, with no prior warnings to offenders. Motorists are urged to adhere to parking regulations to avoid hefty fines and the risk of losing their vehicles.
Call for Awareness
Some community members have called for increased public awareness about the by-laws to prevent further backlash and non-compliance. However, the council remains resolute, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Source - The Chronicle
