Harare Cracks Down on Illegal Heavy-Truck Parking to Restore Neighbourhood Order

Harare City Council has intensified enforcement against illegal heavy-truck parking in residential areas (image source)

HARARE — The City of Harare has launched an intensified enforcement drive against the illegal parking of heavy-duty trucks in residential suburbs, warning that offending vehicles will be fined and impounded as authorities move to restore safety, traffic flow and uninterrupted municipal services.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the local authority said it had observed a sharp rise in heavy trucks being parked in residential streets, a practice prohibited under municipal by-laws. The City said the trend has resulted in blocked roads, traffic disruptions and restricted access for essential service vehicles, including refuse collection trucks and emergency responders.

“It is illegal to park heavy-duty trucks in residential areas,” the City said, adding that enforcement teams are already issuing fines to offending drivers and owners.

Authorities warned that payment of fines alone would not resolve violations if trucks remain in prohibited areas. Vehicles that are not removed after being ticketed will be impounded. Municipal officials said the clampdown is aimed at protecting residential infrastructure and public safety, particularly in high-density suburbs where roads were not designed to accommodate heavy commercial vehicles.

Residents have long complained that large trucks contribute to congestion, accelerate road damage and pose safety risks to pedestrians and children. The City said enforcement officers will patrol identified hotspots and urged truck operators to use designated parking facilities and comply with regulations to avoid penalties.

Local councillors welcomed the move, saying it responds to persistent complaints from communities. Some noted that illegally parked trucks have disrupted refuse collection schedules and delayed emergency responses during recent incidents. Community leaders expressed hope that enforcement would be sustained and supported by clearer guidance on approved parking zones.

Transport industry representatives acknowledged the need to balance commercial logistics with residential order but called on the City to ensure adequate designated parking spaces and clear signage. They also urged engagement with haulage companies to develop practical alternatives that prevent the displacement of trucks into other neighbourhoods.

Urban planners said the situation reflects a broader challenge of managing growing freight movements in a city whose residential areas were built long before modern heavy-vehicle logistics. They recommended a coordinated approach combining enforcement with investment in peripheral truck parks, improved delivery scheduling and incentives for off-peak operations.

For now, the City of Harare has signalled zero tolerance for illegal heavy-truck parking, putting operators on notice to remove vehicles from residential streets or face fines and possible impoundment.