Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
MORE than four million traffic violations have been captured by the new AI-powered electronic traffic management system, with authorities now pursuing offenders as the crackdown on bad driving behaviour in the capital gains traction.
Authorities say the offences, detected by cameras installed at strategic intersections in the city, include running red traffic lights, going against the flow of traffic, picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated places, speeding, using mobile phones while driving and travelling without fastened seatbelts.
The huge number of violations detected since the deployment of the system has prompted authorities to intensify the crackdown on motorists who disregard traffic laws, with some offenders already being called in to pay fines.
The number of offences has leapt from 2,3 million in mid-August to over four million by end of September, a rise of nearly 74 percent, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
Government says the huge number of offences point to the scale of traffic-law violations across Harare.
However, the recorded offences are first being subjected to a verification process before motorists are penalised to ensure that only genuine violations result in enforcement action.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said preparations for the formal commissioning of the system by President Mnangagwa were being finalised.
