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Freeman Razemba, Senior Reporter
The Government has gazetted the age requirement for public service vehicles at 30 years and above in a move aimed at addressing the rising number of fatal accidents and recklessness on the roads.
The change takes place with immediate effect.
The decision to increase the minimum age from 25 to 30 seeks to ensure that only mature and experienced drivers operate public service vehicles.
This development comes as Zimbabwe records over 2 000 road traffic-related deaths annually, with negligent driving identified as a leading cause.
In a Government Gazette published yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the new regulations, which state that drivers must have a minimum of five years’ experience to qualify to operate public service vehicles.
“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has, in terms of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], made the following regulations . . . ” the Gazette reads.
“The updated requirements state that no individual may operate a passenger public service vehicle unless they are at least 30-years-old and have a minimum of five years of driving experience.
“Existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive prior to this regulation will be allowed to continue”.
Last year, Minister Mhona told the National Assembly that bus and kombi drivers will have to be aged 30 and above, in move meant to tackle the rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities, largely attributed to reckless driving.
By increasing the minimum age, the Government hopes to ensure that only mature and experienced drivers are behind the wheel of public service vehicles.
The new age requirement aligns with regional practices where the minimum age is 30 years for public service vehicles.
This latest development has been welcomed by transport operators, who see it as a necessary step towards improving road safety.
Online Reporter