Zimbabwe To Use Traffic Cameras To Catch Road Offenders As Penalty Points System Looms
Zimbabwe is moving closer to introducing a penalty points system that could see motorists lose their licences for repeatedly breaking traffic laws.
The camera-based system will form part of a new smart traffic management programme being introduced by Government.
It will also be linked to a proposed driver penalty points system, which could see repeat offenders suspended or eventually lose their licences.
Central Vehicle Registry acting registrar Saston Muzenda disclosed the developments while appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
Also Read: Repeat Traffic Offenders Could Lose Drivers’ Licences Under Proposed Zimbabwe Demerit System
Repeat Offenders Could Lose Licences
According to The Herald, under the proposed penalty points framework, motorists who repeatedly violate traffic regulations could accumulate points against their driving records.
Continued offences could result in increasingly severe penalties.
These could include the suspension of a driver’s licence and, in serious or persistent cases, cancellation of the licence.
Muzenda said the measures were intended to address traffic offences and improve discipline on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Move Follows Call For Professional Drivers
Muzenda was responding to a petition submitted by Drivers Association of Zimbabwe president Nicholas Mabwe.
Mabwe had called for stronger professional standards among motorists.
He argued that some drivers lacked proper road ethics and wanted legislation and regulatory institutions to strengthen driving standards.
However, Muzenda said Zimbabwe had already professionalised its licensing process.
He said motorists undergo testing before they are issued with driving licences.
Learner Tests To Be Offered In Shona And isiNdebele
Alongside the technology upgrades, the CVR is also making changes to learner’s licence testing.
Muzenda said Shona and isiNdebele would be added to the learner’s licence test.
The change is expected to make the examination more accessible to aspiring drivers who are more comfortable using the country’s major indigenous languages.
Zimbabwe is also transitioning from manual licence production to a computerised system.
Zimbabwean Drivers Meet International Standards
Muzenda defended the country’s licensing standards, saying Zimbabwean drivers are recognised within the region and beyond.
He said foreign companies regularly approach the CVR to verify the qualifications and licence categories held by Zimbabwean drivers.
Zimbabwean professional drivers are currently working in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Poland and Lithuania.
Muzenda said the country’s licensing framework follows regional and international standards.
System Linked To Regional Transport Rules
Zimbabwe has also adopted measures aimed at harmonising its transport regulations with those used across SADC, COMESA and the East African Community.
Muzenda said the country had complied with the Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme.
The framework seeks to align transport policies, laws and operational standards across participating countries.
He said these measures had strengthened the professional standing of Zimbabwean drivers.
Focus Turns To Driver Behaviour
The planned camera network and penalty points system will shift greater attention towards motorists’ behaviour after they obtain their licences.
Authorities will be able to use technology to detect offences while repeat violations could trigger progressively tougher penalties.
The developments form part of broader efforts to reduce traffic lawlessness and improve road safety across Zimbabwe.
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