Breathalysers, smart traffic policing to be used at roadblocks

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

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 In a joint statement, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and his Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed these developments.

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

MORE breathalysers and a new smart traffic management system will be used at roadblocks to contain the surge in accidents caused by reckless and drunk driving, the Government has said.

According to the Government, the smart traffic management system was part of a broader strategy to improve traffic management and reduce road carnage, congestion and corruption.

The Government recently revealed that a Dubai-based company, Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East, was spearheading the project through a public-private partnership.

The company is set to inject an initial investment of approximately US$80 million into this transformative initiative.

The system will leverage technology to address various traffic-related challenges, ensuring that offenders are held accountable and that no individual  —  regardless of their status or connections — escapes the consequences of breaking the law.

In a joint statement, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and his Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed these developments.

They underscored the importance of transitioning to electronic traffic management, highlighting its impartiality and efficiency.

“This year, our priority is deploying an electronic traffic management system. Technology doesn’t discriminate — it does not care about your face, relationship, or status. It ensures fairness and holds everyone accountable,” read the statement.

While the system is being implemented, police presence, roadblocks, and traffic controls will remain essential tools for maintaining order.

The ministers also called on drivers to adhere to traffic laws and urged the public to collaborate with the police in upholding safety standards.

Reckless drivers and lawbreakers have also been warned that they would face strict penalties, with plans underway to enforce deterrent measures against errant motorists.

Meanwhile, the Government was recently in the process of procuring more breathalysers for use at roadblocks to combat the rising number of accidents and most of them have since arrived in the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), procured the breathalysers to use at roadblocks to combat the rising number of accidents caused by impaired driving.

“These devices will be used at police roadblocks as part of an intensified road safety mechanism to curb reckless and drunk driving. May it be noted that more breathalysers are being procured to ensure these measures are widely implemented.

“I urge you all to actively support these efforts by reporting reckless driving and following traffic regulations. We must also take responsibility as citizens. If you witness dangerous behaviour on the roads, report it immediately.”