Africa-Press – Botswana. Street hawkers selling fruits to motorists at traffic lights are in violation of the Road Traffic Act (RTA), specifically Section 97 (5), which aims to protect both pedestrians and drivers.
Northern Division Traffic Divisional Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Modisaotsile Solomon, disclosed that street hawkers are endangering themselves and others by operating on roadways, which were primarily designated for vehicular traffic. In an interview yesterday, Mr Solomon stated that the law disallowed any business activities on roadways to prevent obstruction and to mitigate pedestrian misconduct.
He pointed out the dangers involved, saying if traffic lights changed and signalled for vehicles to move, drivers who were still purchasing fruits could inadvertently obstruct traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. He said the police had conducted several operations leading to the arrest of numerous hawkers, noting that the penalty for such violations was relatively low as the fines were pegged at P200 or up to three months’ imprisonment in case of non-payment. Unfortunately, he said, many offenders simply paid the fine and continued their operations.
Despite recognising the economic hardships faced by street hawkers, Mr Solomon asserted that the law must be enforced to protect the safety of all road users. He explained that ongoing educational efforts aimed to raise awareness among hawkers about the dangers of their activities. However, Mr Solomon noted that due to the persistent nature of the violations, the police were now intensifying their enforcement efforts, especially as pedestrian-related accidents climb.
One street hawker, who requested anonymity, admitted awareness of the illegality of their actions but claimed that selling while traffic was stationary at traffic lights felt safer hence they did not sell to customers on moving vehicles.
She argued that while they were technically violating the law, the informal sector was essential to the economy and requires governmental support to thrive without endangering lives. She called on the government to explore alternatives that could assist the informal sector, emphasising its vital role in the economy and expressing concern that without cooperation, the issue would remain contentious.
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