News / National
Cops rake in millions in traffic fines this festive season
30 Dec 2014 at 01:54hrs | Views
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police could have so far raked in more than a million dollars from traffic fines during the festive season as close to 100 000 tickets have been issued.
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said in a statement that between December 15 and yesterday, a total of 99 571 tickets had been issued for various traffic offences.
A total of 2 375 defective vehicles have been impounded.
Traffic fines range from $5 to $20.
Police yesterday could not provide amounts raised, but basing on a fine for drunk driving ticket of $20 about $1,980 million could have been raised.
No breakdown of offences was given.
Traffic fines that are currently stipulated by the government range from failure to stop at flash lights — railway crossing ($20), no safety belt $5, having no white front reflectors ($5), proceeding against red robot ($20) and a vehicle having no windscreen wiper is fined $5.
Motorists who fail to produce driver's licences and insurance documents are fined $20 and $5 respectively while registration book to VID attracts $10.
Nyathi said as of yesterday 86 people had died in 1 054 road accidents recorded nationwide, with 600 people sustaining injuries.
The major cause of accidents is human error, as many people during this season take the risk to drink and drive, while others drive very long distances without rest and end up falling asleep behind the wheel, leading to accidents.
Police have mounted roadblocks along most major highways, but many people have dismissed these as a money spinner, as cops have been accused of accepting bribes.
Police say they will maintain a heavy presence on most public roads to flush out unroadworthy vehicles and reduce the number of accidents ahead of the New Year's holiday.
Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said in a statement that between December 15 and yesterday, a total of 99 571 tickets had been issued for various traffic offences.
A total of 2 375 defective vehicles have been impounded.
Traffic fines range from $5 to $20.
Police yesterday could not provide amounts raised, but basing on a fine for drunk driving ticket of $20 about $1,980 million could have been raised.
No breakdown of offences was given.
Traffic fines that are currently stipulated by the government range from failure to stop at flash lights — railway crossing ($20), no safety belt $5, having no white front reflectors ($5), proceeding against red robot ($20) and a vehicle having no windscreen wiper is fined $5.
Motorists who fail to produce driver's licences and insurance documents are fined $20 and $5 respectively while registration book to VID attracts $10.
Nyathi said as of yesterday 86 people had died in 1 054 road accidents recorded nationwide, with 600 people sustaining injuries.
The major cause of accidents is human error, as many people during this season take the risk to drink and drive, while others drive very long distances without rest and end up falling asleep behind the wheel, leading to accidents.
Police have mounted roadblocks along most major highways, but many people have dismissed these as a money spinner, as cops have been accused of accepting bribes.
Police say they will maintain a heavy presence on most public roads to flush out unroadworthy vehicles and reduce the number of accidents ahead of the New Year's holiday.
Source - Sourtern Eye
