The Government is set to accelerate the deployment of an advanced, locally-developed Smart Traffic Management System designed to detect and penalise a wide range of traffic offences, Cabinet has announced.
The high-tech system, which will be rolled out in phases starting with Harare and Bulawayo, will target offences including red-light violations, speeding, illegal parking, wrong-way driving, failure to wear seatbelts, and improper lane changes, among others.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, revealed the development during a post-Cabinet media briefing in the capital yesterday.
“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,” Dr Muswere said.
“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,” he added.
Beyond Traffic Control
The system will also assist law enforcement agencies in crime detection, with capabilities including crowd monitoring, pickpocketing detection and identifying suspicious loitering.
Phased Implementation
The rollout follows Cabinet’s approval to fast-track the system’s deployment, building on a successful pilot project initiated in 2020 that was later utilised during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“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,” Dr Muswere said.
“Specialised courts will assist in expediting justice delivery as the system operates,” he added.
Local Innovation
Developed by state-owned telecommunications firm TelOne, the system incorporates:
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Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
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Facial recognition technology
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AI-powered traffic analytics
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Automated fine enforcement
“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.
Safe City Agenda
The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader Safe City programme, which aims to deploy locally developed technological solutions to enhance urban management and law enforcement.
The locally-developed system is expected to boost skills transfer, foster national pride and promote self-reliance while addressing the country’s unique traffic challenges.
