Lack of parking spaces 'leading to dangers on Rwanda's roads'

Date: 13/1/2012

Road safety is being compromised by a lack of parking spaces around shopping centres in Rwanda, it has been claimed.

Deogratias Kayitare, President of Kigali Taxi Services, raised the issue during a meeting with Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana and public transport firms yesterday (January 12th), the New Times reports.

Mr Kayitare said the lack of official parking spaces means taxis are forced to park illegally, which can cause accidents, particularly when other vehicles try to overtake.

"Without necessarily intending to violate traffic regulations, but serving the interest of our customers, sometimes drivers find themselves in compromising positions," he added.

Dr Alex Nzahabwanimana, State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure in charge of Transport, told the newspaper his organisation is considering the introduction of extra parking areas.

Road safety is also being addressed in Zambia, as the Road Transport and Safety Agency, Road Development Agency, the National Roads Fund Agency and the police force have signed a new memorandum of understanding to tackle the issue, the Times of Zambia reported.

Posted by Nick Anderson