Following the end of Operation Restore Legacy, ZRP issued a memorandum dated 19 December, 2017, detailing a number of initiatives intended to restore public trust and confidence. An 11-Point Plan was issued by Officer Commanding National Traffic, Senior Assistant Commissioner Tayengwa.
Based on the contents of the ZRP memo and 11-point plan, Road Users Association suggests the headline issues are:
- ZRP has a renewed focus on public safety and security
- ZRP has committed to a zero tolerance of corruption
The main points of interest to motorists are:
- Only National Traffic is to carry out traffic enforcement duties
- The Traffic branch will focus on road safety and security, through traffic awareness campaigns and “other road safety programs”
- A weekly roadblock schedule has been implemented. Crucially, roadblock spacing has been revised to not more than one roadblock within 100 km.
- No traffic fines will be imposed on the roadside. Where necessary and for serious offences, the offending motorist will report to a police station, where the traffic fine will be imposed, or a docket opened.
- No spot fines are to be imposed, and ZRP are considering reintroduction of the Form 265.
- Any member of ZRP suspected of corruption is to appear in the criminal court within 48 hours and disciplinary court within 72 hours.
- Laziness, rudeness, arrogance and a half-hearted approach from ZRP members, will not be accepted – commanders are expected to apply maximum supervision.
With ZRP implementing the above commitments, the motorist can expect:
Members of Traffic branch will display their name tags (currently embroidered on his/her shirt), will not withhold drivers licences without written consent, will not collect more than the fine amount stated in the Schedule of Deposit Fines, and will not be carrying a traffic fines book (Z69j) at the roadside.
Roadblocks will be placed on national roads, with a minimum 100 km’s between each roadblock. (Roadblocks not displaying signs and using barricades, can be referred to as checkpoints). For obvious reasons, checkpoints in urban areas are not subject to the 100km rule. However, the crucial difference is in the behaviour we can expect: the checkpoints deployed in towns and cities will be deployed to ensure the free flow of traffic, prevent bad driving and remove unlicensed drivers and vehicles, and unroadworthy vehicles from the road. Expect to see B-cars (the Ford Fiesta’s) on mobile patrol, and checkpoints manning high-traffic zones.
A motorist who is required to pay a fine at a police station, has the option of not accepting guilt, in which case a docket to appear in court will be opened. Note: Until the judicial system shows the same commitment to an efficient service, RUA advises motorists to do anything (legally) possible to avoid our dysfunctional Magistrates Court’s.
In the absence of the Form 265, If the motorist accepts guilt, he or she is invited to approach the Officer in Charge of the police station to determine a modality for payment at a date suitable to both ZRP and the offender. If the OIC is satisfied the motorist will pay at a later date, the OIC is authorised to allow a payment period. RUA encourages ZRP to expedite reintroduction of the Form 265, or an automated option that achieves the same advantages.
Zero corruption. Soliciting a bribe or any serious behaviour not complying with the 11-Point Plan, is to be reported. Motorists can do this at Morris Depot (National Highway Patrol), PGHQ or main police stations. Dishonest, aggressive behaviour belongs in the past – both ZRP and the motoring public have a responsibility to ensure that happens.
While Road Users Association commends National Traffic for these initiatives, motorists are equally responsible for achieving the key objectives of Zero Corruption, and safety on the roads. It is RUA’s view that ZRP are showing more respect, tolerance and commitment to road safety than the majority of motorists are.
It’s time for motorists to step up and play our part to achieve safe and pleasant motoring for all.
Thank you,
Sean Quinlan
for Road Users Association
www.rua.org.zw
There’s nothing inherently wrong with roadside ticketing, if the 265 is available as an option to a spot fine and the corruption element is eliminated. Unless the intended roadblocks are set up close to police stations, though – and those stations are set up to cope with an influx of offenders from the roadblock – I foresee major inconvenience to the travelling public who may have to detour many kilometers and spend a considerable amount of time to pay a minor fine for a vehicle defect or speeding at a station instead of at the roadside.
If the Z.R.P are sincere in their approach to improving their image with the Public (particularly the Traffic Section) one of the first things they could do is organise a response unit to give direction when Traffic Lights are out of order.
This would avoid a lot of the chaos and traffic jams that we are all familiar with at the intersections in such situations and hpossibly help get the commuter mini buses under control as well.
Having a well presented and disciplined Team of Policemen on call that can direct and control traffic in such circumstances would be very positive and high visibility PR if handled correctly.
There could be a number that members of the Public could call when they identify an intersection that is a problem….or the Municipality can advise the Police when they know a traffic light is out of order.
I concur as road users we must take maximum care and ensure we strongly adhere to all road traffic regulations to compliment the the 11 point plan. We play a key role in ensuring public and environmental safety through our actions, we must save lives at all times. The 11 point paln is a good start and we pray that the authorities do adhere to the principles of the plan
In the town of Victoria Falls, there are 4 ‘congestive’ x-roads. Traffic backs up a long way, only because a) there are never any Traffic Cops willing to do Traffic duty, and b) in the absence of them, there are hundreds of rude, lazy and not-interested road users. The ZRP guys last year used to sit outside my gate on the culvert because it was 50 metres away from a Stop sign. If and when they reappear I am going to strongly suggest that they do Traffic duty at the 4 x-roads. If they keep coming back to my culverts, then I shall have no option but to put spikes on the culvert. Last year the cops NEVER EVER did any Traffic duty, although they stood near to 2 of these x-roads, hoping to catch some body not stopping.