Police reintroduce speed traps

POLICE have reintroduced speed traps across the country’s major highways and urban roads as part of an intensified nationwide campaign to curb reckless driving, restore discipline on the roads and reduce the growing number of fatal road traffic accidents.

The renewed enforcement programme comes as police scale up efforts to crack down on speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, unroadworthy vehicles and other traffic violations that continue to claim lives and destroy property.

In a significant boost to road policing, police have also strengthened operational capacity through the acquisition of modern traffic enforcement technology and an expanded fleet of patrol vehicles, enabling officers to respond more swiftly to incidents and effectively monitor compliance with road traffic regulations.

The deployment of advanced speed detection equipment, coupled with increased highway patrols and strategic roadblocks, is expected to improve law enforcement visibility and deter motorists from engaging in reckless behaviour.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation is part of the organisation’s broader strategy to safeguard lives and ensure that Zimbabwe’s roads remain safe for all users.

He said police have intensified traffic enforcement operations countrywide through the reintroduction of speed monitoring exercises on major highways and within urban centres.

Comm Nyathi said the objective is straightforward, that is, to save lives by ensuring strict compliance with the country’s traffic laws.

“We continue to witness accidents that are largely avoidable. Speeding, dangerous overtaking, driver fatigue, alcohol abuse and disregard for road rules remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes,” he told Chronicle.

“These behaviours cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The public should appreciate that these operations are not intended to inconvenience motorists or generate revenue.

“Their sole purpose is to protect human life. Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and we remain committed to reducing road traffic fatalities through visible policing, education and effective law enforcement, said Comm Nyathi.

He said the police had significantly enhanced their operational capabilities through investment in modern policing equipment.

“The organisation has continued to modernise its traffic management systems through the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology that enables officers to detect speeding offences with greater accuracy and efficiency,” said Comm Nyathi.

“We have also strengthened our mobility through the deployment of additional patrol vehicles to ensure prompt responses and increased police visibility on the country’s highways and other strategic routes.

“Technology has become an indispensable component of modern policing. It allows us to monitor compliance more effectively, respond to emergencies faster and enhance the overall safety of motorists and pedestrians,” said Comm Nyathi.

He warned that motorists found violating traffic regulations would face the full wrath of the law.

“There will be no room for lawlessness on our roads. Drivers who exceed prescribed speed limits, overtake dangerously, operate unroadworthy vehicles or disregard traffic regulations should expect the law to take its course,” said Comm Nyathi.

“Our officers have been directed to enforce the law professionally, fairly and without fear or favour.”

Meanwhile, police have also urged motorists to play their part by exercising patience, observing speed limits and ensuring their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Police alone cannot eliminate accidents. Every driver has a duty to exercise caution, avoid distractions, rest adequately before travelling and respect other road users. Compliance with traffic regulations saves lives,” said Comm Nyathi.

Road safety experts have consistently identified excessive speed as one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, with higher travelling speeds reducing drivers’ reaction time and increasing both the likelihood and severity of collisions.

Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public to support the campaign by reporting reckless driving and other dangerous road behaviour, saying collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public remain critical in creating safer roads for all.