By Linda Likomwa           

Phalombe, May 24, Mana: As one way of reducing road accidents, Phalombe Police Station through traffic and community policing branches on Thursday met market vendors and taxi drivers at the boma to raise awareness on road safety after observing traffic lawlessness.

Speaking at the meeting, Phalombe Police Traffic Officer, Assistant Superintendent Jessy Nkosi said trading along the roads, parking and making unnecessary U-turns at trading centers creates congestion thereby inconveniencing pedestrians and other road users,

“Trading along the road is dangerous when the vehicle loses control because it is likely to hit those along the road,” added Nkosi and warned taxi drivers to stop parking vehicles along the roads to prevent road accidents.

Nkosi observed that taxi drivers make unnecessary U-turns apart from loading bicycles, goats, Iron sheets, pipes, steel and big bags among others on top of vehicles.

“This is against road safety regulations and it is an offence for drivers to over speed while drunk or driving on road worthy vehicles” she said.

On motorcycle taxi operators, she advised them to use registered motorcycles and always put on crash helmets as required by traffic regulations.

Speaking earlier, Phalombe Police Station, Community Policing Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent Fracson Miltons Moyo, advised motorcycle taxi operators to avoid operating their businesses during odd hours to avoid theft of their motorcycles.

Moyo also warned parents and guardians against sending children to do businesses during school time.

“If any parent or guardian is found doing this, she or he will face the wrath of the law,” the Community Policing Coordinator said.

One of the motorcycle tax operators, Anthony Bamusi commended Phalombe Police Station for conducting the awareness which he said was relevant.

He observed that congestion at Phalombe Trading Center was mostly caused by market vendors, motor vehicles and motor cycle taxi operators that defy traffic regulations.

He admitted that this creates inconveniences for pedestrians and asked the police to do more awareness to address the problem.