Zimbabwe’s Road Crisis, Part II: A Policy Brief for Safer Roads (Summary)

Recently, in response to the rising prevalence of traffic violations and road accidents in Zimbabwe, the government has initiated an Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS), which encompasses drone surveillance and automated cameras. While these technological advancements signify substantial progress, they do not provide a comprehensive solution. Meaningful change necessitates a holistic strategy that includes enhancing infrastructure, modernising enforcement systems, and addressing issues related to governance and public transportation.

1. Tech Is Not Enough

The ETMS pilot program in Harare has demonstrated the benefits of automated enforcement. In the initial weeks, cameras captured nearly 300 violations, documenting occurrences of drivers disregarding red lights, operating vehicles on the incorrect side of the road, and driving on sidewalks. Drones have now augmented monitoring capabilities, extending surveillance up to 20 kilometres beyond the city centre, which aids in minimising direct interactions between law enforcement and drivers, thereby reducing opportunities for bribery.

However, in the absence of adequate maintenance and integration, these systems are likely to malfunction. Zimbabwe’s past experiences with defective speed cameras serve as a cautionary tale. Each installed device necessitates regular audits and calibration, in addition to ongoing technical support. Furthermore, enhanced inter-agency collaboration between the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), law enforcement, and the vehicle registry is crucial for effective enforcement.

2. Infrastructure Is Collapsing

Regardless of the sophistication of our enforcement tools, inadequate infrastructure renders them ineffective. In Zimbabwe, road markings are either faded or absent, which complicates safe navigation for drivers; yet many individuals still face penalties for ambiguous violations.

In the central business district of Harare, more than 30% of traffic signals are inoperative due to power outages or lack of maintenance. In rural areas, road conditions devolve into dusty, poorly lit paths. Potholes present a significant danger, forcing drivers to veer unexpectedly, which heightens the risk of collisions.

It is essential for a national infrastructure recovery plan to prioritise the following initiatives:

• Repainting road markings

• Repairing or replacing traffic signals (incorporating solar backups)

• Sealing unpaved roads and grading shoulders

• Enhancing street lighting

A portion of the revenue generated from traffic fines should be allocated to a dedicated road maintenance fund to establish a visible connection between enforcement and service delivery.

3. Digitising Enforcement

To enhance transparency and mitigate corruption, Zimbabwe must transition to a comprehensive e-ticketing and digital fine collection system. Offenders should receive citations directly via SMS or email, accompanied by secure payment options through mobile money or bank transfer. This approach will establish a digital paper trail and reduce the necessity for face-to-face interactions with law enforcement. Unpaid fines should be linked to vehicle licence renewal or automatically deducted from registered bank accounts. This method, effectively utilised in other countries, promotes compliance without unnecessary confrontation.

To maintain public trust, the system must be characterised by transparency. Citations should delineate offences in straightforward language, ideally including links to access photographic or video evidence. Public reporting on the utilisation of fine revenues, for example, detailing the number of potholes that have been repaired, can help citizens recognise the value of enforcement.

4. Fairness and Legal Integrity

Not every citation will proceed without contest. Citizens must possess a clear and accessible mechanism to dispute tickets. Courts must be adequately equipped to evaluate video or photographic evidence, and the burden of proof should consistently rest with the state. Zimbabwe should consider establishing a specialised traffic tribunal or designating magistrate court days exclusively for traffic-related cases. Furthermore, minor infractions could be decriminalised to facilitate administrative adjudication, thereby alleviating pressure on the courts while upholding principles of fairness.

5. Public Transport and Corruption

The decline of formal public transport has induced considerable disruption on the roads of Zimbabwe. The proliferation of illegal taxis, commonly referred to as " mushika shika, " primarily results from the collapse of the ZUPCO monopoly and the absence of reliable alternatives. Public transport must be revitalised through the introduction of additional buses, the legalisation of kombis, and the establishment of enforced loading zones. Until legal transit options are both efficient and safe, citizens will continue to rely on illegal services. Concurrently, the pervasive corruption within traffic enforcement must be addressed through the imposition of strict penalties, the rotation of officers, transparent auditing practices, and the implementation of public reporting hotlines. Without rectifying the conduct of those responsible for enforcing the rules, any system, regardless of its complexity, will inevitably fall short of its intended goals.

6. Rebuilding Trust Through Engagement

Numerous drivers in Zimbabwe perceive enforcement measures as punitive and inconsistent. To restore the social contract, it is imperative to engage in outreach efforts that emphasise clear communication regarding the operation of drones, cameras, and fines, as well as the rationale behind the implemented reforms. Educational campaigns focused on road safety may help address areas of ignorance and foster positive behavioural change. Moreover, citizens should be actively involved in the reform process through various means, including consultation, feedback mechanisms, and civic reporting tools. Trust is cultivated when drivers observe fairness, consistency, and tangible improvements because of their compliance.

7. Conclusion

Technology can help make Zimbabwe’s roads safer, but only if robust infrastructure, transparent processes, and public accountability are in place to support it. Policymakers must act now to:

· Fix and maintain roads and traffic infrastructure

· Fully digitise enforcement and make it transparent

· Modernise laws and legal processes

· Rebuild formal public transport

· Combat corruption and strengthen civic trust

Drones and ETMS are a step forward, but without broader reforms, they are a patch, not a solution. The road to safer streets begins with bold, integrated policy action.

Read the full blog here: https://open.substack.com/pub/simbawrites/p/zimbabwes-road-crisis-part-ii-policy?r=27j7qh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. It draws on public sources, policy discussions, and expert commentary to explore Zimbabwe’s road safety and traffic management landscape. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute official government policy, legal advice, or professional recommendations. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, this article should not be relied upon as a substitute for official transport regulations, legal interpretation, or infrastructure investment guidance.