Zimbabwe moves to driver penalty points system

ZIMBABWE is moving closer to introducing a driver penalty points system that could see motorists who repeatedly commit traffic offences having their licences suspended or cancelled.

The system will be integrated into the country's new smart traffic management system, which is expected to use cameras to detect traffic violations and help curb reckless driving.

Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) acting registrar Saston Muzenda revealed the developments while giving oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.

Muzenda was responding to a petition by Drivers Association of Zimbabwe president Nicholas Mabwe, who called for the professionalisation of driving through stronger legislation and regulatory institutions.

Mabwe argued that many motorists lacked proper road ethics and called for minimum professional requirements for drivers.

However, Muzenda said Government was already strengthening the regulatory framework through technology and the proposed penalty points system.

He said the smart traffic management system would deploy cameras at intersections to detect errant driver behaviour and support enforcement.

"Government has also been moving towards the driver penalty point system, where if you continuously commit offences, you have your points suspended until such time that you might have your licence then cancelled, or suspended until such time that you have reformed in terms of the behaviour," he said.

Muzenda said the measures were aimed at reducing traffic offences and lawlessness on the country's roads.

He also dismissed suggestions that Zimbabwe's driver licensing system was inadequate, saying motorists already undergo rigorous testing before being issued with licences.

"We have our drivers, they are tested," he said, adding that Government was also making the learner's licence test more accessible by introducing Shona and isiNdebele.

Muzenda said Zimbabwe's driver licensing system was internationally recognised and aligned with regional and international standards.

He said the country was transitioning from manual licence production to a more robust computerised system, with the reforms aligning with systems used in countries including Namibia, Malawi and the United Kingdom.

Zimbabwe has also complied with the Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme, which seeks to harmonise transport policies, laws, regulations and system standards across SADC, COMESA and the East African Community.

Muzenda said the country had adopted the necessary legal instruments to implement the driver-trade free area, enabling Zimbabwean drivers to be recognised across the region.

He said the professional standing of Zimbabwean drivers had been strengthened, with many now securing employment in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Poland and Lithuania.

The CVR, he added, regularly receives requests from foreign companies seeking confirmation of the qualifications and professional status of Zimbabwean drivers.

"We received letters from respective companies requesting confirmation that indeed they are professional drivers," he said.

Muzenda maintained that Zimbabwe's driver licensing system was already adequately regulated and professionalised, with the planned smart traffic management and penalty points systems expected to further strengthen enforcement and road safety.