New minimum age for public transport drivers

The government is considering reviewing the minimum age of public transport drivers from 25 to 30 years to curb the carnage on the country's highways.

This was revealed by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Obert Mpofu, at the National Awareness Workshop on Problems of Stray Animals on State Highways.

Dr Mpofu said agreements have been reached with companies intending to work on the highways to ensure that they erect boundary fences along the major roads to reduce road carnage caused by stray animals.

"As government we want to review the current legislation to ensure that those that drive public transport are mature and responsible.

"We also urge the motoring public to exercise caution during the Easter and Independence holidays," he said.

Coach and Bus Operators Association chairman Fungai Makoni said the initiative to erect fences along major highways is a welcome development as a number of accidents have been caused by stray animals.

He said there is need for drivers to exercise caution during the holidays to save lives.

"This awareness workshop is critical for the development of the country as it addresses the perennial problems of stray animals' involvement in accidents."

The workshop was attended by bus operators, chiefs' council officials, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, among other stakeholders.