THE Manicaland Transport Association (MTA) has called on authorities to introduce police highway patrols in a move meant to curb road traffic accidents along the Harare-Mutare Highway.
The call follows a road accident involving a Tenda bus, a haulage truck and a Phils & Pats bus at the 32km peg near Mutangadura Leisure Centre on Thursday that claimed four lives on the spot while several passengers were left nursing serious injuries.
The driver of the Mutare-bound Tenda bus tried to avoid a haulage truck that had encroached into his lane, before losing control of the bus and colliding with a Phils and Phats bus that was going the opposite direction.
Scores of haulage trucks dangerously park along the highway at Mutangadura, leaving little room for other motorists to manoeuvre.
This leave the other motorists in danger of being involved in accidents at the spot, such as happened on Thursday.
MTA chairperson and bus operator Isau Mupfumi said there was need for the law enforcers to re-introduce highway patrols along the route.
“We urge the police to reinstate highway patrols along this crucial route. The presence of highway patrol vehicles is essential in curbing road accidents and maintaining order on the highways,” he said.
“While static roadblocks are helpful, the continuous presence of highway patrols can deter reckless driving and enhance safety.”
- ‘Introduce highway patrols to curb accidents’
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Mupfumi also encouraged the government to refurbish railway infrastructure in a bid to decongest the roads.
“We call upon the government to urgently implement plans to refurbish the railway infrastructure, which will help alleviate the heavy truck traffic on this road, making it safer for all,” he said.
