13 Mar 2013

The management of Ntshe House in Francistown has introduced parking fines and vehicle clamping to control careless parking that obstructs and frustrate other motorists.

Francistown district officer (administration), Ms Opelo Gaopale said in an interview that the management of the building that housed government departments resolved in October last year to fine motorists who left their vehicles in the reserved space.

He said P50 would be charged to anyone caught breaking the regulation. Ms Gaopale said the initiative was prompted by careless motorists who would park their vehicles in other motorists’ parking spots.

As a result, the faulted motorist would use their vehicle to block the offending one; thereby obstructing other road users.  “Since last year, a number of drivers have been charged and the amount currently stands at P1 300,” she said, adding that the funds generated from the new regulation would be used to develop more parking spaces.

“Should the funds be enough, we anticipate purchasing shades and even clearly marking the parking spaces as our intention is to move the public parking area away from the front of the offices,” she said.

Regarding the congestion that came about because of marriage solemnisations that took place at the District Administration offices every Thursday, the district officer said starting this year, marriage solemnisations that exceeded 10 would take place at the Civic Centre or the Phase Four Hall.

In a separate interview, Senior Superintendent Alakanani Makobo said the police regulated public parking areas while private parking areas were regulated by owners of the premises.

However, Superintendent Makobo said it was not advisable to clamp vehicles in places where the public had access. ENDS