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country even if they arrive at the border after the deadline, a Cabinet minister has said.
In an interview last week, Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Minister Nicholas Goche said everyone with proof that they had already paid for the vehicles would be allowed to import the vehicles.
Government, in compliance with Statutory Instrument 154 of the Road Traffic Act, set Monday next week as the deadline for the import of LHD vehicles.
“Those who had already paid for the vehicles when the deadline was announced are free to approach the ministry with the proof and they will be allowed to bring them in,” Minister Goche said.
“As long as they have the papers they will be allowed to import the vehicles because some of them may have delayed in the shipment.
“Each case will be considered on its merit.
“However, for those who bought after the deadline had been announced it will not be possible for them to bring the left-hand drive vehicles.”
Early this month, Minister Goche announced that LHD vehicles already in the country would be allowed to live out their economic life rather than have owners forced to change them to right-hand drive or take them off the road by December 31, 2015.
The new arrangement is expected to be provided for in the amended Statutory Instrument to be gazetted soon.
The Transport Operators Association of Zimbabwe threatened to take legal action against the ban on LHD vehicles.
TOAZ argued that the vehicles were lawfully permitted in Zimbabwe by the Road Traffic Act 13:11 of the third schedule.
The association argued that imported second-hand LHD vehicles were cheaper than locally-assembled ones.
Online Reporter