Zimbabwe public transporters install speed limit devices

Transport operators have begun installing speed tracking and limiting devices in buses to comply with Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, which enforces a maximum speed limit of 100km/h for buses on open roads. A monitoring center has been established at Harare Central Police Station for conducting tests in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. This initiative is in response to the government's mandate for all public service vehicles, including buses, to be equipped with speed limiting and monitoring devices to prevent speeding and enhance road safety.

Police will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new regulations, which were gazetted by Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona in June. In addition, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe recently held a National Road Safety conference to assess the impact of road safety education and awareness and to develop strategies for ensuring road safety.

As part of the effort to increase road safety and reduce accidents, the Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) is collaborating with various government ministries and departments, including the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and the Traffic Safety Council. ZPTO is donating speed monitoring devices and working with providers to ensure they are installed on all buses by the end of the year.

These devices will help monitor and control the speed of buses to ensure they do not exceed 100km/h. ZPTO also plans to integrate the entire system with other stakeholders, including Econet Wireless, to create a unified platform for monitoring and regulating bus speeds.

ZPTO officials reported that a pilot project is underway at Harare Central Police Station, with controllers in the control room able to track buses' locations. They acknowledged some challenges but expressed confidence in addressing and resolving them.

ZPTO's efforts aim to curb accidents by closely monitoring and controlling buses' speeds, not only for ZPTO buses but for all public service buses. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe will also receive more enforcement powers to uphold road safety regulations.

The initiative includes the Zimbabwe Management Transport Information System (ZIMTIS) project, which incorporates technology to monitor buses' compliance with road rules and regulations. The project aims to involve various transport operators in similar monitoring efforts.

In light of these developments, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona emphasized the importance of successful implementation and adherence to the timelines specified in Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023. He called for strategic leadership and a robust sensitization strategy to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Minister Mhona also expressed satisfaction with the progress in issuing new driver's license disks and anticipated reduced accident statistics as a result of measures to address dangerous practices like using mobile phones while driving, speeding, street racing, and unsafe overtaking.

Additionally, Minister Charles Tavengwa voiced concerns about the rising number of road accidents, especially during the festive season, and urged drivers to obey traffic rules and regulations.