By Gideon Madzikatidze
HARARE – Government has officially launched the National Speed Monitoring System (NSMS) to monitor all public service vehicles in real time, in a major move to save lives and restore public confidence in the transport system.
Addressing delegates, during the launch in Harare, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Advocate Felix Mhona said the NSMS is being introduced under Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, which requires public service vehicles to be fitted with speed limiting and speed monitoring devices.
“This initiative is not simply about tracking vehicles on a map. It is about saving lives, improving accountability and strengthening public confidence in our transport system. It also contributes directly to the country’s objective of reducing road fatalities by 25% by 2030,” said Mhona.
The Minister said the system will give authorities access to better information on the movement and operation of commuter omnibuses and buses, support effective regulatory oversight and provide critical data for transport planning.
He stressed that it is not just an enforcement tool but a partnership for safety.
“For transport operators, the system presents an opportunity to strengthen operational discipline. For drivers, it reinforces responsible conduct. For passengers, it represents an additional layer of protection and accountability,” he said.
The NSMS is part of a broader reform agenda by Government which includes SI. 119 of 2023 on licensing of drivers, SI 10 of 2025 which bars drivers below 30 years and without 5 years experience from driving public passenger vehicles, the upcoming Road Accident Fund Bill and the Road Traffic Authority Bill to integrate VID, CVR, RMT and TSCZ.
Other measures include the Smart Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) with the Ministry of Home Affairs, 18 VID smart operational vehicles with brake roller testers, breathalysers for ZRP, ambulances stationed at tollgates and dangerous spots for post-crash management and rehabilitation of 23 weighbridges.
Minister Mhona said Government will grant a three-month grace period from the date of launch to allow all public service vehicle operators to comply.
“Upon expiry of the grace period, the law will take its full course. It is now my pleasure to officially declare the National Speed Monitoring System launched,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police will fully enforce the new system to reduce road carnage.
“As ZRP, we welcome the National Speed Monitoring System. It will assist us to effectively enforce traffic laws and curb speeding by public service vehicles which has been a major cause of fatal road accidents. We urge all operators to comply within the grace period, because after that we will be arresting and impounding non-compliant vehicles,” Nyathi said.