Zimbabwe Police Begin Verifying 4.8 Million Traffic Violations Flagged By Smart Cameras Before Issuing Fines
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has begun verifying traffic offences flagged by Zimbabwe’s new electronic smart traffic camera system.
Police are reviewing approximately 4.8 million flagged violations to determine which motorists must pay fines.
The verification exercise follows the system’s full activation over the weekend, with police checking the recorded incidents to establish whether motorists actually breached traffic regulations
Also Read: Zimbabwe’s Smart Traffic Cameras Catch 4.8 Million Offences As Motorists Get Phone Alerts
Police Explain How Traffic Offences Will Be Verified
Speaking to The Herald, Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the validation process involves examining footage, vehicle registration plates and information showing when and where each suspected offence occurred.
The police will use these details to determine whether the recorded incidents constitute genuine traffic violations before issuing penalties.
“When we talk of validation, what do we mean? We mean that the videos are captured, the number plate is captured, and the date, time and place or site where a particular motorist would have violated the traffic regulations or road rules and regulations are recorded,” he said.
The exercise is intended to ensure that motorists are not fined solely because their vehicles were flagged by the surveillance technology.
Motorists To Receive Footage Of Alleged Offences
Once a violation has been verified, motorists are expected to receive notifications on their mobile phones. They will then be able to access the system to view footage showing the alleged offence and check the applicable fine.
The technology uses intelligent surveillance cameras, automatic number-plate recognition and central databases to identify and record suspected breaches of road regulations.
Offences being targeted include driving against oncoming traffic, running red traffic lights and crossing continuous traffic lines.
Nyathi said the system was designed to address reckless driving rather than penalise motorists who comply with the law.
“It will not punish Zimbabweans who are law-abiding citizens, but it will decisively deal with reckless driving conduct,” he said.
However, authorities have not yet provided further details about the process for motorists who dispute recorded offences or how long the validation exercise will take.
Police Promise Public Awareness Campaign
Nyathi urged motorists to remain calm as the new system is introduced, adding that authorities would explain its operations and requirements through a public awareness campaign.
“We want to advise Zimbabweans not to panic, and to be fully conversant with what is happening,” he said.
“We will engage in a comprehensive, honest campaign to make sure that Zimbabweans are fully conversant with all the system’s operations.”
More than 20 sites in Harare have already been connected to the system, which is expected to support traffic management in the capital’s central business district and other urban areas.
The initiative is being implemented by the Government through the Zimbabwe Republic Police and partners, including TelOne, as part of broader efforts to improve road discipline and strengthen enforcement.
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