PUBLIC transport operators have applauded the move made by Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to block some turns at intersections as a strategy to decongest the central business district.

Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Bulawayo City Transit spokesperson Daniel Phondo and Tshova Mubaiwa chairperson Atlas Moyo hailed the move by the council.

“We hope the city council will enforce heavy penalties on those who break the law,” he said.

“We also hope that this strategy will reduce the number of pirate taxis dropping passengers in undesignated areas.”

Moyo said the strategy came at a time when the number of pirate taxis had increased in central Bulawayo, which tended to interfere with the smooth flow of traffic as with their sudden stops or turns.

“We have seen that the strategy is working effectively as during peak hours, congestion is reduced. Also, the move has reduced cases of reckless driving as the mushikashika drivers can no longer make sudden turns,” he said.

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Phondo chipped in, saying: “We applaud the move. It reduces congestion and accidents. We hope the municipal traffic officers will maintain the stance and arrest those who break the law.”

He urged the city council not to block all the intersections so as to allow freer movement of traffic.