Ticketing raises concerns for Umbilo business

AN Umbilo business owner was left confused after receiving a ticket from Metro Police for parking in the loading zone outside his business. While Keith Sigamoney, who manages Umbilo Tyres, has no problem paying the fine, he said vehicles parked on the pavement outside his business did not receive a ticket.

“[Other business owners on the road] are parking on the pavement for the whole day and don’t seem to be receiving tickets. The police officer comes here, skips the vehicle parked on the pavement, skips the taxis parked on the pavement across the road, and comes straight to our vehicle and gives us a fine,” continued Sigamoney.

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For the policy director of the Umbilo Business Association, Ian Campbell-Gillies, the matter raised concerns over how law is enforced in the area.
“If the Metro Police cannot evenly apply the law to everyone in Umbilo, then they cannot apply the law at all. They must decide if they are a law enforcement agency or not,” said Campbell Gillies.

Metro Police respond

Spokesperson for Metro Police Colonel Boysie Zungu told Berea Mail, “I can’t confirm what happened on the day, but we request that the concerned citizens open a case so we can launch an investigation as to why the Metro officer on duty did not ticket other vehicles because the law is applied equally to all,” said Zungu.

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He added that parking is not permitted in a loading zone.

“The rule is that you can use the loading zone if you are loading or offloading. If someone is parked there, they will receive a fine. You can be charged and towed,” said Zungu.

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