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Zimbabwe police to use breathalysers this festive season
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The Government, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), has procured new breathalysers to be deployed at police roadblocks as part of a festive season road safety initiative. The move aims to curb accidents caused by motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the development, noting that additional breathalysers are being acquired to ensure widespread enforcement.
Minister Mhona urged citizens to actively participate in promoting road safety by reporting reckless driving and adhering to traffic regulations.
"We also need to police ourselves as citizens. Wherever you see errant behaviour, let us know," he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly during the festive season when road traffic volumes surge. Risky behaviors such as speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence were highlighted as key contributors to road accidents.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe echoed these sentiments, affirming the police's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to enforce compliance.
"We believe the time has come for us to collectively start reversing the current disturbing trend," said Minister Kazembe.
He announced that police visibility will increase through roadblocks and motorised patrols on highways. Defective vehicles found on the roads during the holiday season will be impounded and held at designated centres until they meet safety requirements.
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has bolstered the initiative by contributing resources for breathalyser purchases. In 2022, the ICZ donated traffic equipment worth US$82,000, including breathalysers, to assist in enforcing traffic laws.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that monitoring teams involving multiple stakeholders have been established to intensify efforts to reduce road accidents. He also noted collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to test drivers suspected of impairment.
Both Minister Mhona and Minister Kazembe stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility. They called on all road users to prioritize caution and respect for traffic regulations to reduce the alarming rates of road traffic accidents.
As Zimbabwe enters the festive season, authorities hope these measures will help ensure safer travel for all citizens.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the development, noting that additional breathalysers are being acquired to ensure widespread enforcement.
Minister Mhona urged citizens to actively participate in promoting road safety by reporting reckless driving and adhering to traffic regulations.
"We also need to police ourselves as citizens. Wherever you see errant behaviour, let us know," he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly during the festive season when road traffic volumes surge. Risky behaviors such as speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence were highlighted as key contributors to road accidents.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe echoed these sentiments, affirming the police's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to enforce compliance.
"We believe the time has come for us to collectively start reversing the current disturbing trend," said Minister Kazembe.
He announced that police visibility will increase through roadblocks and motorised patrols on highways. Defective vehicles found on the roads during the holiday season will be impounded and held at designated centres until they meet safety requirements.
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has bolstered the initiative by contributing resources for breathalyser purchases. In 2022, the ICZ donated traffic equipment worth US$82,000, including breathalysers, to assist in enforcing traffic laws.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that monitoring teams involving multiple stakeholders have been established to intensify efforts to reduce road accidents. He also noted collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to test drivers suspected of impairment.
Both Minister Mhona and Minister Kazembe stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility. They called on all road users to prioritize caution and respect for traffic regulations to reduce the alarming rates of road traffic accidents.
As Zimbabwe enters the festive season, authorities hope these measures will help ensure safer travel for all citizens.
Source - The Chronicle
