Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to intensify the rollout of a home-grown Smart Traffic Management System designed to detect a broad spectrum of traffic offences, from red-light violations and speeding to illegal parking, wrong-way driving and failure to wear seatbelts.
The system will also monitor improper lane changes and other common infractions in a bid to curb reckless driving and enhance road safety.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this would help address unwarranted traffic congestion, road accidents and traffic law violations in Zimbabwe.
“The system is capable of identifying vehicle owners through captured images as well as integrated databases of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and the Civil Registry.
“It detects a wide range of traffic infractions, including red-light violations, speeding, disobeying stop signs, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, failure to wear seatbelts, traffic sign or road marking violations, improper lane changes and many others. It then notifies violators and enables them to review evidence of the offence,” Dr Muswere said.
Beyond traffic regulation, the system is also expected to support broader crime detection functions including crowd monitoring, pickpocketing and loitering.
The roll out comes on the back of Cabinet’s approval of the acceleration of the system’s deployment, building on the success of a pilot concept initiated in 2020 and later utilised during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Muswere said the system comprised several key components, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, a predictive platform for traffic patterns, signal optimisation and an automated fine enforcement mechanism.
He said Government was committed to ensuring the necessary infrastructure was in place to ensure a smooth transition.
“To support effective implementation, several key enablers will be monitored, including a robust project governance framework, reliable power sources, stable internet connectivity and strategic system integration with supporting platforms and institutions. Specialised courts will assist in expediting justice delivery as the system operates,” Dr Muswere said.
He said the rollout would be phased, beginning with Harare and Bulawayo before expanding to other major urban centres.
Developed locally by TelOne, the smart traffic system is designed to respond specifically to Zimbabwe’s unique traffic challenges. It incorporates a network of intelligent surveillance cameras, Command and Control Centres, and AI-powered video analytics tools that are capable of detecting and responding to a wide array of traffic infractions in real time.
“This innovative system utilises advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety and transparency,” Dr Muswere said.
In addition to improving road safety and public security, the Smart Traffic Management System is expected to drive local innovation and boost national self-reliance.
The localised approach is also expected to foster knowledge transfer, skills development, and national pride while promoting self-reliance and sustainability.
The initiative is also part of Zimbabwe’s broader Safe City agenda, which seeks to harness home-grown technological solutions to address the country’s law enforcement and urban management challenges.
