Weighbridges, truck arrestor beds at tollgates

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has launched a comprehensive transport system modernisation programme aimed at enhancing road safety and streamlining regulatory services in Manicaland Province.

Key to the initiative is the installation of truck arrestor beds and weighbridges at strategic locations including the Mutare Tollgate and around Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, both near the treacherous Christmas Pass.

Truck arrestor beds are critical safety structures designed to halt or slow down vehicles—especially trucks—experiencing brake failure while descending steep gradients. They are filled with sand or gravel and constructed to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy, safely bringing vehicles to a stop. The Mutare Tollgate and the hospital vicinity, both at the base of the notorious Christmas Pass, are high-risk zones for brake-failure-related accidents.

Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer, Mr Raphael Sigauke, confirmed that construction of the truck arrestor bed at the Mutare Tollgate is already underway, with another planned near the hospital.
"The Christmas Pass has seen several fatal accidents due to brake failure on trucks. These arrestor beds are designed to reduce such incidents by offering a secure zone for runaway vehicles," he said.

In addition, weighbridges will be installed at tollgates to enforce statutory weight limits on commercial vehicles. These systems will help prevent overloading, reduce road infrastructure damage, and minimise the risk of road accidents.

VID and Road Motor Transport Director, Mr Allowance Sango, said the integration of weighbridges into tollgate systems is part of the ministry's broader plan to create one-stop service centres.

"The integration of weighbridges with tollgates will enhance road safety, improve regulatory compliance, and reduce operational delays. It allows for real-time monitoring, helping authorities identify and penalise overloaded vehicles on the spot," said Mr Sango.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Government's ease-of-doing-business agenda, offering motorists a streamlined process for toll payments, vehicle inspections, and weighbridge checks at a single point.

Currently, Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) officers rely on mobile roadblocks to direct suspected overloaded vehicles to the nearest depot—often more than the legally permissible 15km distance—posing legal and logistical challenges.
"With weighbridges stationed at tollgates, this burden will be eased, and compliant drivers will no longer be inconvenienced," Mr Sango said.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also addressing the accessibility of driving services in remote areas. Plans are at an advanced stage to establish a VID depot in either Chipinge urban or Birchenough Bridge to cater for residents who currently travel long distances to Mutare, Rusape, Chiredzi, or Marondera for driver testing and licensing.

"The Ministry is committed to expanding its services to underserved areas in line with the principles of devolution. No place or person should be left behind," said Mr Sango.
"There is a station at Birchenough Bridge offering weighing services, but the new depot will significantly improve service access for aspiring drivers in Chipinge District."

The ministry's transport overhaul signals a renewed commitment to road safety, service delivery, and efficient infrastructure utilisation in Manicaland and across the country. Further details on site selections and rollout timelines will be announced once finalised.