ZRP POSITION ON THE ‘BISCUIT’ SPARE-WHEEL MORALLY BANKRUPT …

There is no reference in SI 129/2015 to it being an offence to carry a ‘space saver’ spare wheel. However, ZRP have been imposing fines for this ‘offence’ since December, 2015, which has cost motorists a great deal in fines, and the inconvenience and risk in carrying unsecured, full-size spares wheels.

Sect. 53(1)(a) states the spare wheel must be serviceable, in the same way a fire extinguisher must be serviceable. If your spare wheel is inflated, has sufficient tread and is suitable for use, ZRP should accept it. Since implementing the current Schedule of Deposit Fines in February, 2016, ZRP is applying Section 14(6)(a) of SI 129/2015, which reads: “(6) No person shall drive on any road a vehicle if (a) any tyres on any one axle of the vehicle are of a different size or type or construction”.

The Road Users Association (RUA) has long supported motorists’ view that ZRP are acting unfairly on this issue, but the purchase of a large number of Ford Fiesta vehicles by ZRP has confirmed this view. Every Ford Fiesta is fitted with a space-saver, or ‘biscuit’ spare wheel. Unless ZRP convert all the Fiesta’s to carry full-sized spare wheels, they simply have no legal or moral right to impose a fine for this non-offence.

WHERE IS ZINARA IN ALL THIS?

We are all shocked at the deterioration in the city’s roads since the onset of the heavy rains, however there shouldn’t be any surprises. Harare’s road infrastructure has been deteriorating for years as a result of minimal maintenance. Regular users of Borrowdale Road, Stonechat Lane and Crowhill Road would not be as aware of the collapse in our roads as the residents of Marlborough, Waterfalls and the rest of the city.

RUA understands that the City of Harare receives an average of $500,000 per year from ZINARA for road maintenance. Based on the number of vehicles registered in Harare, all paying annual vehicle licences, etc., it’s not hard to calculate that ZINARA is receiving tens of millions of dollars from Harare’s motorists. The questions we should all be asking is why has ZINARA not invested in the city’s (and national) roads as they are mandated to do, and when will ZINARA be making the required funds available to City of Harare?

BEWARE THE CLAMPING SPECIALISTS AT HARARE AIRPORT …

As reported on Facebook group Dear ZRP …, the personnel monitoring the ‘Drop and Go’ lay-byes at Harare International Airport have taken clamping of motorists’ vehicles to new levels of extortion. Motorists who appear to use the lay-bye in a manner that would comply with international norms, are enthusiastically pounced on and their vehicles clamped. Protestations are met with threats including the use of ‘spikes’, the involvement of the ‘tower’, and a tow-away fee of $130. Unsurprisingly, reluctant motorists pay up the $30 unclamping fee.

RUA advises motorists to take great care when using the ‘Drop & Go’ zone, but if you have a bad experience you have the right to appeal.

CCTV cameras monitor the area and any unfair behaviour is recorded. We understand the supervisor of the responsible company is based at the long-term parking area and will assist with appeals.

In the meanwhile, like so much on our roads, we trust that sanity will prevail and the rogues disciplined.