POLOKWANE – While there are some motor-cycle parking areas scattered around the city, cars often park in these areas, as do trucks that are offloading cargo. This, according to municipal bylaws, is illegal.
James Ramalobelo, a truck driver, was not ashamed to admit that he often used motorcycle parking areas when offloading goods.
“Motorists make use of the loading zones to park and that leaves only the motorcycle parking for us. If the traffic department would do their job I will not need to abuse these parking areas as my loading zone would be open, but until this happens, I am doing what I am doing, serving as clients the best I can,” he said.
Delivery man Patrick Ledwaba, who uses as motorcycle to make his deliveries, said delivering in Polokwane was difficult.
“I never find a space where I park. If I do find a space, I find my bike pushed over or moved so that someone can park a car on my spot. If I park on the sidewalk, the traffic officials are angry with me. What am I to do? I just want to do my job,” he said.
Municipal traffic official, Thandi Mamabolo, the usual fine for all types of illegal parking was R500.