By Chifundo Kowedza
Blantyre City Council has banned daytime offloading of goods from vehicles weighing more than five tonnes in the city’s central business district (CBD).
The decision follows an amendment to an earlier directive on the offloading of goods within the city.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday and signed by Chief Executive Officer Dennis Chinseu, the Council said the restriction will apply from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with effect from January 22, 2026.
“The amendment replaces an earlier notice issued on January 6, 2026, which had restricted offloading from vehicles exceeding one tonne during the same hours,” reads part of the statement.
According to the Council, the decision has been made in line with the Local Government Act and the Blantyre City Council Traffic and Safety (Parking of Motor Vehicles) By-Laws of 2002.
The Council stated that the measure is intended to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public safety, and ensure smooth administrative and commercial activities within the city.
“All offloading of goods from vehicles of more than five tonnes must be done outside the prescribed daytime hours or at such times as may be directed by the City Council upon obtaining special permission,” reads the notice.
The council has warned that individuals or organisations found violating the directive will be subjected to penalties in accordance with the law.
Blantyre City Council has since urged traders, transporters, and the general public to comply with the directive to avoid inconveniences and possible sanctions.
