Police are serious about dealing with road traffic violations

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has introduced the Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) as part of efforts to curb traffic violations and improve road safety. The system leverages automated camera surveillance to enhance enforcement and ensure greater compliance with traffic laws. Our Senior Reporter NYORE MADZIANIKE spoke with national police spokesperson COMMISSIONER PAUL NYATHI for deeper insights into the new initiative.

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Q: Could you provide an overview of the implementation of the Electronic Traffic Management System across Zimbabwe and highlight its key features?

A: The Electronic Traffic Management System is currently being piloted in Harare CBD (central business district), with cameras capturing traffic offenders.

The system aims to enhance road safety, enforcement and compliance with the country’s road rules and regulations. Key features include automated camera surveillance, vehicle number plate recognition and digital recording of traffic offences from all possible angles.

Q: What are the key objectives of implementing the new system?

A: The primary objectives are to improve road safety, reduce road traffic accidents and enhance enforcement of road traffic rules and regulations. The system aims to deter reckless driving and promote compliance with the country’s road traffic rules and regulations. It is also aimed at dealing with congestion and reckless driving conduct by motorists.

Q: How many motorists have been arrested since the introduction of the Electronic Traffic Management System? Could you provide specific statistics on the types of offences that have resulted in these arrests?

A: Since the system’s inception, 290 motorists have been captured flouting road rules.

We applaud the identified motorists for cooperating with the police.

The offences include passing through red traffic lights, driving against the flow of traffic, failure to display number plates and going through road curbs and pavements.

Q: From the 290 that were captured on camera, how many have come forward?

A: As of May 22, 40 motorists have come forward out of the 290 captured and they have paid deposit fines.

We encourage other motorists to cooperate with the police and settle their fines for the effective maintenance of law and order in the country.

Q: What systems are in place for recording and tracking offenders identified by the Electronic Traffic Management System? How is this data used to support traffic law-enforcement efforts?

A: The system generates digital records of offences, which are then used to track and fine offenders. This data contributes to traffic law enforcement by providing evidence and enabling efficient prosecution.

Q: What penalties are typically imposed on motorists caught violating traffic laws through the Electronic Traffic Management System? Are there standard fines, community service requirements or other consequences?

A: Some of the motorists are paying fines while others will be referred to court depending on the traffic offence.

Q: Have you seen a measurable impact on road safety since implementation of the system?

A: It is a bit too early to comment on that. We hope the system will lead to improved road safety and reduced traffic violations. We will monitor statistics to assess the impact.

Q: What efforts are being made to educate the public on the new system and the importance of adhering to traffic laws?

A: We are working to educate the public about the system and importance of adhering to traffic laws through various channels, such as the traditional media, social media and public awareness campaigns.

Q: What challenges are you facing in enforcing traffic laws through the Electronic Traffic Management System? Are there any technological or operational hurdles that need to be addressed?

A: Challenges include ensuring public awareness, addressing technological issues and integrating the system with existing law-enforcement processes.

Q: Are there plans to expand the capabilities of the system in future?

A: We plan to expand the system’s capabilities, potentially incorporating additional features and technologies to improve enforcement. Above all, the system is linked to other relevant Government entities such as the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR).It is not just a unique system that is working in isolation. It is also integrated into the drone facility, which the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has also introduced. Now, we have got drones at the Harare Central Police Station.

We have drones that can monitor as far as even 5km, 10km to 20 kilometres away.

For example, while we are at Harare Central, we can monitor what happens at Market Square. We can monitor what happens at Rotten Row.We can monitor what happens even at the Showground and also even at the other side of town.The Electronic Traffic Management System is there and is effective.

It can also be supported and aided by this drone facility.

Q: How does the system help in minimising corruption within traffic law enforcement?

A: The system promotes transparency and accountability by providing digital evidence and reducing human interaction.

Comprehensive measures are in place to ensure the integrity of the system and tackle manipulation by individuals or groups.

Q: How does the ZRP gather feedback from the system? Are there mechanisms for motorists to report issues or suggest improvements?

A: We gather feedback through public surveys, online platforms and direct engagement with motorists. This helps us identify areas for improvement and concern.

Q: What measures are in place to ensure the accuracy and integrity of offender records?

A: We have put measures in place to ensure the accuracy and integrity of offender records, including regular audits and verification processes.

The system will be constantly updated and aided by the recently acquired drones at ZRP Harare Central and ZRP Bulawayo Central.

Q: We have incidents where some of the vehicles have changed hands but change of ownership has not been done. How do you deal with such situations?

A: We work with relevant Government departments such as CVR to identify new owners and update records.

Motorists are encouraged to update their vehicle registration details promptly as the vehicles change ownership.

The law is also clear, in terms of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act.

Q: Which other cities are you intending to take the ETMS after Harare?

A: In Bulawayo, we also have a CCTV facility that also monitors what happens in the CBD.

So, definitely, very soon we will also be publicising names of motorists who are also committing traffic violations in the Bulawayo CBD to show how serious the Commissioner-General of Police is in terms of modernising the police and also in terms of dealing with road traffic violations.