The Bulawayo City Council took action on Sunday night by impounding several vehicles parked illegally overnight in various western suburbs, including Emganwini, Nketa, and Nkulumane. These vehicles were found parked in areas not designated for parking, such as outside shopping centers and fuel stations.
Moxen Moyo, who operates a local car park, shared with *Chronicle* that many vehicle owners have been bypassing his facility in favor of cheaper alternatives at fuel stations. He explained that security guards at the stations had been charging R10 per vehicle overnight, a lower fee than the US$1 charged at registered car parks. As a result, many opted to park at the fuel stations to avoid the higher cost.
However, those who parked at these stations woke up to find their vehicles had been impounded.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu stated that the impoundment was part of an ongoing effort to enforce the city’s parking by-laws, which prohibit overnight parking in undesignated areas. He emphasized that the council would continue to enforce these regulations without prior notice, unless the by-law is new.
He urged residents to follow the city’s parking rules to avoid penalties, noting that abandoned vehicles are given a 10-day notice to be removed. If they are not claimed, they are towed at the owner’s expense. Similarly, unlicensed or damaged vehicles are also impounded and stored at the owner’s cost.
Additionally, the council enforces restrictions on push carts in the Central Business District (CBD), with fines and impoundment for violations. Vehicles that remain unclaimed for 30 days after being immobilized may be sold at a public auction.
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