News / National
Zimbabwe raises minimum age for public service vehicle drivers to 30
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In a decisive move to curb the rising number of road accidents in Zimbabwe, the Government has officially raised the minimum age requirement for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers from 25 to 30 years. The regulation, which takes effect immediately, aims to ensure that only mature and experienced drivers operate public transport, reducing reckless driving and fatal crashes.
Zimbabwe records over 2,000 road traffic-related deaths annually, with negligent driving being a major contributor. In a Government Gazette published yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the new regulations, which stipulate that PSV drivers must have at least five years of driving experience to qualify.
"It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has, in terms of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], made the following regulations," reads the Gazette.
"The updated requirements state that no individual may operate a passenger public service vehicle unless they are at least 30 years old and have a minimum of five years of driving experience. Existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive prior to this regulation will be allowed to continue."
Last year, Minister Mhona told Parliament that bus and commuter omnibus drivers should be 30 years and above, citing reckless driving as a key factor in the country's road carnage. The new regulation aligns with regional best practices, as several Southern African countries already enforce a 30-year minimum age for PSV drivers.
The move has been welcomed by transport operators and road safety advocates, who see it as a crucial step towards improving road safety. With thousands of lives lost on Zimbabwe's roads each year, authorities are hopeful that stricter driver requirements will lead to more responsible driving and a decline in fatal accidents.
Zimbabwe records over 2,000 road traffic-related deaths annually, with negligent driving being a major contributor. In a Government Gazette published yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the new regulations, which stipulate that PSV drivers must have at least five years of driving experience to qualify.
"It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has, in terms of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], made the following regulations," reads the Gazette.
"The updated requirements state that no individual may operate a passenger public service vehicle unless they are at least 30 years old and have a minimum of five years of driving experience. Existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive prior to this regulation will be allowed to continue."
Last year, Minister Mhona told Parliament that bus and commuter omnibus drivers should be 30 years and above, citing reckless driving as a key factor in the country's road carnage. The new regulation aligns with regional best practices, as several Southern African countries already enforce a 30-year minimum age for PSV drivers.
The move has been welcomed by transport operators and road safety advocates, who see it as a crucial step towards improving road safety. With thousands of lives lost on Zimbabwe's roads each year, authorities are hopeful that stricter driver requirements will lead to more responsible driving and a decline in fatal accidents.
Source - The Herald
