Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-There is need for the Zimbabwean Parliament to urgently review the Road Traffic Act as some of its provisions are outdated and lenient towards traffic offenders, contributing to the surge in accidents.
In an interview with New Ziana on Monday, Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents caused by unlicensed drivers, who evade punishment due to archaic laws.
“Some sections of the Road Traffic Act are outdated and do not reflect the current realities on our roads,” he said.
“Many people are deliberately driving without certificates of competency, flouting traffic laws with impunity. The existing legislation is simply not aligned with today’s challenges.”
Goliath said the laws were enacted during the Rhodesian era when traffic volumes were much lower than they are today.
“Today, the number of vehicles has skyrocketed, yet we are still governed by old laws. Some individuals are even purchasing cars without licenses, leading to unnecessary and avoidable loss of life through accidents,” he said.
He called on lawmakers to take immediate action and revamp the law, particularly the outdated sections.
“We need stricter deterrents, harsher penalties for those who drive without licenses, as well as for transport operators and car owners who allow unlicensed individuals to drive their vehicles,” he said.
Goliath also highlighted a loophole in the law that allows drivers seven days to produce a license after an accident, saying it encourages abuse.
“After an accident, some drivers fail to present their licenses to the police. The law gives them a week to produce one, but this is being exploited. Some hire people to present licenses on their behalf, raising serious concerns about evidence tampering and accountability,” he said.
The PAZ call comes as the government moves towards a smart traffic management system by introducing breathalysers and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered devices to combat reckless driving.
The initiative, led by the Ministries of Transport and Infrastructure Development and Home Affairs, in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), aims to crack down on drunk driving and improve road safety.
Goliath said the devices will assist in reducing drunk driving, which has become rampant on the country’s roads.
He welcomed the technological intervention while stressing that legal reforms should accompany enforcement measures for lasting impact.
New Ziana
