38 sites identified for Smart Traffic Management in Bulawayo

Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor

THIRTY-EIGHT sites have been identified in Bulawayo for the implementation of a home-grown Smart Traffic Management System (STMS), aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing road accidents as well as enforcing traffic regulations.

A Smart Traffic Management System (STMS) uses real-time data from sensors, cameras and communication networks to optimise traffic flow, improve safety and reduce congestion in urban environments.

These systems leverage technologies like artificial intelligence and computer vision to dynamically adjust traffic signal timings, predict traffic patterns and manage incident responses, offering a cost-effective way to enhance existing infrastructure.

According to the latest council report, the pilot implementation of the STMS would be conducted in phases, with a total of 38 sites in Bulawayo selected for system deployment.

“The pilot implementation of the STMS would be conducted in phases, with a total of 38 sites in Bulawayo selected for system deployment. The City had identified key intersections and locations considered hotspots, including accident-prone areas, high congestion zones and sites with frequent traffic violations.

“The STMS aimed to re-engineer current traffic management processes into a technology-driven system designed to improve traffic flow, reduce road accidents, enforce traffic laws and ensure the safety of road users, thereby promoting socio-economic growth in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe,” reads the council report.

The local authority revealed that it had identified the sites from 21 July this year, with projections that the full implementation of the project is expected to have been done by November.

After the identification of the sites, according to the implementation plan, there will be an assessment of site requirements, securing of funds, procurement process and finally the implementation of improvement works.

“This phased approach ensured systematic planning, funding, and execution of the STMS, aligning with national objectives for traffic safety, efficiency and technological modernisation,” reads the report.

Once fully implemented, the system will be able to capture images through the integrated database of the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara), Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and Civil Registry.

The system will be able to detect traffic violations, including red-light violations, speeding, disobeying stop signs, illegal parking and failure to wear seatbelts, among other related infractions.

Council will be implementing the project in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, with Bulawayo and Harare having been earmarked for the launch of the project.