THE government has rolled out a new electronic traffic management system nationwide to curb reckless driving while creating a safe environment for road users.
The AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) is meant to detect and fine offenders automatically.
The system, using the integrated intelligent surveillance and automatic number-plate recognition, tracks violations — like running red lights, speeding and illegal parking — and transmits the data to the Central Vehicle Registry and Zimbabwe Republic Police for automated penalty processing.
AI-embedded cameras mounted on poles continuously monitor traffic, flagging infractions without needing physical police presence.
The system feeds encrypted edge data to police’s central network, which helps to trace repeat offenders and track stolen plates.
Encrypted edge data refers to securing information at the perimeter of a network — such as on local devices, IoT gateways or browsers — before it travels to the cloud.
This approach prevents data interception, minimises data leakage and ensures that sensitive payloads remain unreadable outside a trusted environment.
The rollout forms part of government’s broader digitalisation drive aimed at improving road safety, strengthening law enforcement and creating a smart, secure environment that supports economic growth and investment.
Speaking at a Smart Traffic System Management review meeting, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe said the system was part of broader digitalisation efforts under the “Z therapy” integrated information system, which includes civil registry and online border management.
He said for development to occur, there should be peace and tranquillity, but observed that people driving on city roads have become reckless, ignoring basic road rules, driving in opposite lanes, overtaking improperly and going through red traffic lights.
Kazembe said the electronic traffic management system was one of many subsystems being deployed to create a conducive, clean, smart and safe environment for citizens and investors.
“For us to reach Vision 2030, it means we have to develop our economy,” he said.
“For us to develop our economy, we have to create a safe environment where people feel free to go about their business.”
Kazembe said technology would enhance the work police were doing, noting that crime is becoming more complex.
The project is being done in phases, with 20 sites in phase one.
Phase two will follow and upon completion, there will be 316 sites.
Kazembe said the programme was on course, with tremendous progress having been made, adding that the contractor promised completion by the end of the month.
The project is being undertaken by local engineers from a Zimbabwean institution, which Kazembe linked to the Education 5.0 policy.
“There were seven very sharp engineers from Taiwan, who are our own citizens, giving us this product,” he said.
Kazembe added that when the whole project was done, the President would be briefed and would commission it.
“Citizens will enjoy the peace and tranquility of our roads.”