Chronicle Editor
Emmanuel Kafe
THE Government is finalising preparations for the introduction of a smart traffic management system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate enforcement of traffic regulations, reduce accidents and improve overall road safety.
The system, which is capable of detecting violations, issuing fines and initiating legal proceedings, will use advanced field devices, such as speed and red-light violation detection cameras, to automatically identify traffic offences, with the violations being recorded and processed without human intervention.
A core feature of the system is its integration with the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and automatic number-plate recognition technology that will enable the identification of vehicle owners in real-time.
Upon detection of a violation, a notice of the infraction will be sent electronically to the driver via email or mobile phone.
Drivers will have the option to settle fines directly using their mobile devices or contest the charges.
In cases where violations are challenged, the system will generate video evidence and automatically link with the integrated electronic case management system at the courts, forwarding the case instantly for prosecution.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said the system will be rolled out countrywide in three phases.
“Phase one shall start with the two metropolitan provinces — Harare and Bulawayo,” he said.
“Phase two shall include Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare, whilst phase three will cover the remaining provinces . . . The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and Ministry of Local Government and Public Works are in the process of upgrading road infrastructure, which include the resurfacing of roads, refurbishment of traffic lights, streetlights, road signage and road markings.
“At the same time, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is in the process of aligning the laws to the smart traffic management system. It is upon completion of such processes which shall pave way for the smooth implementation of the smart traffic management system.”
The authorities believe the automation and AI capabilities of the smart traffic management system will streamline traffic enforcement, enhance road safety and ensure efficient handling of traffic offences.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, a total of 27 300 road accidents were recorded during the first half of this year, most of which were attributed to human error and reckless driving.
Added Amb Faranisi: “The installed field devices like speed violation detection and red-light violation detection systems shall automatically detect traffic violations.
“The integration with the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), the automatic number-plate recognition system shall identify the vehicle owner.
“A notice of violation will then be emailed or sent to the violating driver on his/her mobile phone.
“If the violating driver intends to pay a fine, an option is provided to make the transaction on his/her mobile phone.”
In cases where the driver intends to challenge the violation, he said, video evidence will automatically be generated.
“The system will be integrated with the integrated electronic case management system, where a docket will automatically be pushed to the courts for prosecution.
“In case the driver absconds court, intelligent roadblocks connected to the system will detect the violating driver or vehicle. At the same time, Zinara (Zimbabwe National Road Administration) or CVR systems will red-flag the violating vehicle as it passes through a tollgate or checkpoint.”
Online Reporter