Maseru, Feb. 11 At busy intersections without functional traffic lights, police officers continue to play a critical role in directing traffic in Maseru, using hand signals and physical presence to manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
In an interview with LENA Superintendent (Supt.) Thabo Mohai said manual traffic control is aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles.
“We do this to reduce traffic congestion and make it easier for vehicles to move freely,” he said. “Physically controlling traffic also helps foster cooperation among drivers from different directions, especially as some motorists do not always adhere to road rules,’’ he said.
Supt. Mohai noted that officers are deployed at key intersections, particularly during peak hours, to maintain order and prevent accidents.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Keketso Jane, a taxi driver operating along the Morija route, described police-controlled traffic as beneficial despite some challenges.
“It is a good initiative as it encourages drivers to focus on the road and avoid distractions such as using cell phones, knowing that police officers are present,” he said. “This helps reduce accidents,’’ he said.
However, Mr. Jane pointed out that the system can at times cause delays.
“Sometimes we are stopped for more than 15 minutes, which wastes time for passengers, including school children,” he said.
He suggested that deploying additional officers to specifically manage pedestrians could improve the situation.
“Pedestrians often cross the road at inappropriate times without checking for oncoming vehicles. This increases the risk of accidents, especially when some drivers use different lanes to move in the same direction, which can confuse road users,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of factory workers in Ha-Thetsane who use busy roads without traffic lights, Mrs. Maphapang Tau said prolonged traffic control sometimes affects workers’ punctuality and income.
Manual traffic control has become a long-standing practice in Maseru, particularly in areas where traffic lights are yet to be installed or repaired. Despite challenging conditions, including extreme heat and vehicle fumes, police officers remain committed to ensuring road safety and maintaining order at the capital’s busiest intersections.
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