THE newly-installed AI-driven Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) is capturing at least 15 000 traffic offenders every week, with authorities saying the programme is progressing rapidly.
The ETMS, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and municipal police, is expected to curb reckless driving, improve compliance with traffic regulations and modernise law enforcement through real-time digital surveillance and e-ticketing. Authorities say the system forms part of broader efforts to restore order on Zimbabwe's roads while reducing reliance on manual enforcement methods.
Smart poles equipped with high-resolution cameras, laser tracking technology and precision radar monitor intersections, automatically detecting speeding, red-light violations and driving against the flow of traffic.
The system scans vehicle registration plates, identifying both old and new Zimbabwean number plate formats with accuracy. Cameras are linked to a central database connected to the Central Vehicle Registry and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, enabling authorities to instantly identify vehicle owners.
Instead of physical ticketing, motorists receive violation notices and fines directly via email or mobile phone. Payment can be made through mobile banking platforms or at ZRP National Traffic offices.
Harare City Council chief traffic officer Martin Chimombe told NewsDay that at least 3 600 traffic offenders are being detected daily.
While declining to disclose full details of the project, Chimombe said Harare's traffic lawlessness would soon be a thing of the past.
"The installation of automated traffic management infrastructure is moving with tremendous speed. The pilot project is already identifying at least 3 600 vehicles daily for violating council by-laws, including obstruction, parking outside designated bays and other offences," Chimombe said.
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"We want to thank TelOne for fully funding the project. The pilot phase has been a success and once the rollout is complete, we expect to capture more than 10 000 offending vehicles per week."
Chimombe said the initiative would be extended to other cities and towns as part of government's information and communication technology (ICT) policy.
"We are very happy that the ICT programme is decentralising automated traffic management systems to cities and towns across the country," he said.
The pilot programme is operational at key intersections, including the junction of Jason Moyo Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street.
Meanwhile, the government has applauded Harare City Council for the successfully implementation of the project.
In a letter addressed to acting town clerk Warren Chiwawa, the ICT, Postal and Courier Services ministry said the smart/safe city solution would help to address reckless driving and improve urban mobility.
"The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services developed the Smart 2030 Master Plan, which serves as a roadmap for the digital economy and guides the national vision of attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030," the letter read.
"Implementation of the master plan entails the development of smart solutions using a variety of technologies to transform different sectors of society.
"We sought to work with the City of Harare and sincerely appreciate the support and access provided by the town clerk.
"We particularly acknowledge the outstanding facilitation and coordination role played by chief traffic officer Martin Chimombe."
In a recent interview, Chiwawa said lawlessness in the capital would not be tolerated.
He said a record 58 830 vehicles were impounded by Harare City Council last year, generating more than US$1 million in traffic fines amid growing concern over the increasing number of rogue drivers.
According to Chiwawa, municipal police officers impounded more than 14 000 vehicles during the first quarter of this year.
He added that the adoption of smart enforcement technologies would be a key priority in future traffic law enforcement efforts.
