The Makhado Municipality has introduced a new parking meter system whereby motorists are required to pay a pre-determined tariff to a parking attendant.

The acting director of community services in the municipality, Mr Molatelo Kanwendo, said that the parking tariffs are meant to enhance responsibility among motorists and vehicle security within Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

“With the parking meter system in operation, there will be less break-ins and thefts out of motor vehicles,” said Kanwendo. “We request motorists and community members to co-operate with the parking attendants.”

The parking system operates from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00. Saturday operation starts at 08:00 and ends at 13:00. They are not operating on Sundays and public holidays. Tariffs are R3,00 (0-30 minutes), R8,00 (30-60 minutes) and R12,00 (60-90 minutes).

Motorists are, however, advised to inform the operator about the parking duration they anticipate to spend in the parking bay and the meter would indicate the money for that period.

“The operator must hand you a display ticket which should be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle,” explained Kanwendo. He adds that a non-payment ticket could be issued to motorists who fail to pay and such a ticket might be between R50 and R750. According to Kanwendo, information leaflets are currently being distributed to educate the community on how the parking meter system operates. He said that the project aims to create employment for at least 70 youths in the next three years, who would work as parking attendants.

Rirothe Trading and Investment is the service provider for the parking meter system.

For more information, motorists and community members are advised to contact Robert at 076 624 8585 or visit the parking meter office in the Maranatha Building in Burger Street.