THE Government’s decision to expand the electronic traffic management system to more intersections and major highways is a welcome development that promises to transform road safety, strengthen law enforcement and reduce opportunities for corruption.
As our sister paper, The Herald, wrote yesterday, the system, already installed at 20 strategic points, mainly in Harare, will be extended to another 36 sites in its second phase and 56 in the third phase.
The technology automatically detects traffic offences, including speeding, jumping red lights and using mobile phones while driving, allowing offenders to be identified and penalised without necessarily being stopped by police officers.
This is a significant advancement in a country where reckless driving, disregard for traffic regulations and alleged corruption have contributed to disorder on our roads.
One of the system’s greatest advantages is its potential to promote fairness and consistency in law enforcement.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Dr Kazembe Kazembe put it succinctly when he said:
“Technology does not care who you are.”
Indeed, cameras cannot be intimidated by powerful individuals, persuaded to overlook violations or bribed to let offenders escape punishment.
If properly implemented, the system should ensure that everyone, regardless of political connections, social standing or financial status, faces the same consequences for breaking traffic regulations.
Another major benefit is the reduction in direct contact between police officers and motorists, which should minimise opportunities for bribery and allegations of corruption.
The technology also allows officers previously deployed for long hours at intersections and roadblocks, often under harsh weather conditions, to concentrate on other important policing duties.
Encouragingly, Dr Kazembe revealed that police recorded no pickpocketing cases over six weeks at intersections monitored by the cameras in Harare, demonstrating their potential contribution to wider crime prevention.
However, the benefits of this innovation must not blind us to possible implementation challenges.
Recent complaints about incorrect vehicle identification, which the minister has acknowledged, demonstrate the importance of ensuring that the technology is more accurate and reliable.
Motorists must not be unfairly penalised because cameras misread number plates or systems incorrectly attribute offences.
There must be transparent, accessible and affordable procedures through which motorists can challenge incorrect fines and obtain timely corrections.
Integration with vehicle licensing databases also requires accurate ownership records. Otherwise, innocent motorists could find themselves being pursued for offences committed by people who purchased their vehicles.
Equally important are reliable electricity supplies, internet connectivity, regular equipment maintenance and adequate cybersecurity safeguards to protect sensitive personal information.
Authorities must establish clear rules governing access to surveillance footage, how long recordings are retained and how motorists’ privacy is protected.
Public education is equally necessary so that motorists understand how the system operates, how fines are communicated and how payments can be made securely.
Above all, the programme should prioritise saving lives rather than maximising revenue from traffic fines.
The ultimate measure of success should be fewer accidents, reduced fatalities, improved driving discipline and greater public confidence in law enforcement.
Technology alone cannot repair damaged roads, replace missing road signs or eliminate every form of dangerous driving. It must complement improved road infrastructure, driver education and consistent enforcement.
We, however, commend the Government for embracing technology to modernise traffic management. With proper safeguards, transparency and continuous improvement, this innovation can help create safer roads, more professional policing and a fairer traffic enforcement system for all Zimbabweans.
