Over 50 roadblocks to combat festive season carnage

More than 50 roadblocks, manned by officers from multiple road safety agencies, have been established on Zimbabwe's major highways as part of a robust nationwide campaign to address speeding, the use of unroadworthy vehicles, and overloading during the Christmas holidays.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), includes 16 mobile road safety units equipped with police motorcycles and patrol vehicles, as well as 36 static roadblocks strategically positioned along major routes. The campaign aims to curb road carnage by enforcing traffic laws and ensuring vehicle compliance with safety standards.

At long-distance bus termini, officers are conducting detailed inspections of public service vehicles to certify roadworthiness, proper loading, and compliance with safety regulations before departure.

Speaking about the campaign, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said:
"We have mobilised sufficient resources to ensure there are adequate police on the roads to check for compliance with traffic laws. Deployment will also extend to residential areas and border posts to maintain peace, order, and counter transnational organised crimes."

The campaign follows a rise in road traffic accidents this year. From January to September 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 39,461 road traffic accidents, an 8% increase from the 36,628 accidents reported during the same period in 2023. Fatal accidents also rose slightly, with 1,169 incidents and 1,532 fatalities reported, compared to 1,130 incidents and 1,373 deaths last year.

The 2024 road safety campaign involves the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and the Road Motor Transportation (RMT) department. This coordinated effort includes new high-tech scanners to verify driver and vehicle documentation, ensuring faster and more reliable checks.

TSCZ managing director Mr. Munesu Munodawafa highlighted the importance of the campaign:
"This festive season, the campaign focuses on awareness and enforcement. During the launch, over 50 unroadworthy vehicles were removed from the roads within two hours, showing the seriousness of this initiative."

The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged travellers to prioritize safety by using registered transport operators, warning of increased robberies by unregistered transporters.

"We encourage passengers to board registered transport vehicles only, as these can be held accountable through their various organizations," said PAZ national coordinator Mr. Tafadzwa Goliati.

Similarly, the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Omnibus (GHACO) pledged to monitor its members through patrol vehicles during the festive season. GHACO chairperson Mr. Ngono Katsvairo emphasized compliance:
"All operators must ensure their vehicles meet all safety and regulatory standards, including certificates of fitness, speed limiters, and passenger insurance."

As Zimbabwe braces for increased road traffic during the festive season, the campaign underscores the government's commitment to improving road safety. Through coordinated efforts and public participation, authorities hope to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities, making roads safer for everyone.