Harare nears completion of AI traffic camera rollout

Zimbabwe is in the final stages of installing artificial intelligence-powered traffic surveillance cameras at 20 major intersections in Harare as authorities move to modernise road traffic enforcement and improve compliance through automated monitoring systems.

The Smart Traffic Management System, led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has already seen the installation of smart poles at all targeted intersections, while camera mounting and supporting infrastructure works are nearing completion.

According to Raphael Faranisi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, 95% of the targeted sites have already been connected to fibre internet, with only four intersections still pending.

Work is continuing at several intersections, including Leopold Takawira Street and Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Robert Mugabe Road and Abdel Gamal Nasser Road, as well as Cripps Road and Remembrance Drive.

Camera installation has already been completed at the intersection of Jason Moyo Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street, while construction teams are currently working along Samora Machel Avenue and Glenara Avenue.

The Harare City Council is also upgrading traffic lights, road markings and signage ahead of the system's launch.

"The Smart Traffic Management System is progressing well and we are satisfied with the developments achieved so far," Faranisi said, adding that major works under the first phase were expected to be completed by the end of May.

Authorities said solar-powered backup systems were also being installed to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Preliminary testing of the system is expected to begin in early June and will focus on network stability, operational readiness and overall system performance.

At the centre of the project is a new traffic command and control centre being established at CID Headquarters, which will receive live video feeds, analyse traffic data in real time and coordinate enforcement responses.

The AI-powered system will automatically detect offences such as speeding, red-light violations and driving against traffic flow. Using image recognition technology and automatic number plate recognition systems, the cameras will identify offending vehicles and link violations to vehicle registration databases.

Authorities said the platform would also integrate with systems operated by the Central Vehicle Registry, Zimbabwe National Road Administration and banking platforms to facilitate electronic payment of fines.

Officials say the automated enforcement system is intended to reduce corruption, minimise human error and improve consistency in traffic policing.

Once the Harare phase is completed, the project is expected to be expanded to Bulawayo under a second phase.