EDITORIAL: Cameras could be turning point on Harare roads

Over the weekend, there were some workmen from TelOne who were busy on the Harare CBD roads installing cameras.

It was an exercise that was barely noticed by motorists, who only expressed irritation to the congestion created by the TelOne trucks.

However, the installation of traffic cameras at key intersections in Harare’s Central Business District is a development that deserves both public attention and guarded optimism.

For years, the city’s roads have been synonymous with chaos: avoidable congestion, drivers jumping red lights with impunity, kombis stopping at undesignated points, and a general culture of lawlessness that has made navigating the CBD a daily gamble.

If implemented properly, this new camera system could mark a turning point in restoring order, safety and accountability on Harare’s roads.

At the heart of the issue is enforcement. Traffic laws in Zimbabwe are not lacking; what has been missing is consistent, impartial enforcement.

Police officers stationed at intersections often face an impossible task. They must control heavy traffic flows, monitor multiple lanes, and at times deal with confrontational motorists—all at once. Human limitations, coupled with occasional allegations of selective enforcement and corruption, have meant that many offenders simply get away with dangerous behaviour.

Cameras, by contrast, do not get tired, do not negotiate, and do not look the other way. The presence of surveillance at intersections is likely to have an immediate psychological effect on motorists.

Knowing that every movement is being recorded tends to promote compliance. Drivers are more likely to respect traffic lights, stay within their lanes, and avoid reckless manoeuvres if they are aware that violations will be captured and penalised.

In cities around the world, the introduction of traffic cameras has led to a measurable reduction in accidents, particularly those caused by red-light violations. Harare stands to benefit from the same outcome if the system is effectively managed.

Beyond enforcement, cameras can play a critical role in traffic management. Real-time monitoring allows authorities to assess congestion patterns and respond accordingly. If a particular intersection is consistently clogged at certain hours, traffic lights can be adjusted or alternative routes recommended.

Over time, the data collected can inform broader urban planning decisions, from road expansions to the redesign of problematic junctions. In a city where traffic congestion has become a daily frustration, such data-driven solutions are long overdue.

There is also a strong case to be made for improved accountability. In the unfortunate event of an accident, camera footage provides an objective record of what transpired. This can speed up investigations, reduce disputes between parties, and ensure that justice is served based on evidence rather than speculation.

However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on how it is implemented. Cameras alone will not solve Harare’s traffic problems if they are not backed by a clear legal framework and efficient administrative systems.

Motorists must be informed about how violations will be recorded, how fines will be issued, and how disputes can be handled. Transparency is essential to build public trust. If the system is perceived as a revenue-generating scheme rather than a safety measure, it risks resistance and non-compliance.