New Era in Road Safety
In a bid to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents, the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa has partnered with Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East to implement a Smart Traffic Management System. This innovative technology will monitor road users’ movements and enable law enforcement to apprehend those breaking traffic laws in real-time.
A Proven Track Record
According to Minister Kazembe Kazembe, a delegation from Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East was in the country from 12 to 16 May 2024, holding discussions with key stakeholders on the implementation of the Smart Traffic Management System. The company has successfully installed similar systems in several countries, including Morocco, Rwanda, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and Belarus.
Benefits of the Smart Traffic Management System
The benefits of the Smart Traffic Management System are numerous. Once complete, the system will ensure the enforcement of traffic laws, bringing to book all traffic offenders. Moreover, the system minimizes human intervention in law enforcement, as technology cannot be bribed. This will help to reduce corruption and ensure that traffic laws are enforced fairly and efficiently.
Investment and Implementation
Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East will invest USD 80 million as an initial investment outlay. The project will be implemented under a Public-Private-Partnership model and will initially be implemented in Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces. The company will recover its investment from fines paid for traffic violations through a revenue-sharing arrangement.
A Step Towards Safer Roads
This partnership is a significant step towards improving road safety in Zimbabwe. With the Smart Traffic Management System, Zimbabweans can expect a reduction in road accidents, improved traffic flow, and a more efficient law enforcement system.
Background Information:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zimbabwe has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, with an estimated 30.4 deaths per 100,000 population in 2016. (Source: WHO)
- The Zimbabwe National Road Safety Council (NRSC) reported that in 2020, there were 1,828 road fatalities, with an additional 11,851 injuries. (Source: NRSC)
- The Smart Traffic Management System is a comprehensive solution that includes advanced technologies such as automatic number plate recognition, speed cameras, and traffic monitoring systems. (Source: Vitronic Machine Vision Middle East)
