By Ziyah News Reporter
In an effort to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents involving kombis, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced a significant policy change involving this category of public transporters. Effective September 3, 2024, the radius-based restrictions for kombis will be reduced from 120 km to 60 km for operators seeking new route permits. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve the country’s road safety regime.
In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that all 26-seater kombis and smaller vehicles will now be limited to providing transport services within a 60 km radius. Commuters traveling beyond this distance are urged to utilize high-capacity buses, which are deemed more reliable and comfortable for long journeys.
A critical aspect of this new policy is the mandatory installation of speed limiting and monitoring devices in all kombis operating within the 60 km radius. According to Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023, no passenger public service vehicle registered in Zimbabwe may operate without these devices. The Ministry has instructed inspection officers to enforce this regulation strictly, stating that no kombi operator will receive a certificate of fitness unless both devices are fitted.
The emphasis on speed limiting devices comes in response to the alarming rate of road traffic crashes involving kombis, which have been linked to speeding and reckless driving. The Ministry has called for all law enforcement officers to ensure compliance with these regulations, highlighting that the safety of all road users is paramount.
In addition to the speed limit enforcement, the Ministry has raised concerns about kombis and unauthorized vehicles, known as mushika-shika, picking up and dropping off passengers at non-designated points. This practice not only poses safety risks but also damages the infrastructure of recently refurbished roads. The Ministry has urged enforcement officers to ensure that all kombis adhere to designated bus stops for passenger pick-up and drop-off.
As part of the new regulations, kombi operators will be issued Route Permits that allow them to provide passenger transport services within the newly established 60 km limit. Existing permits will remain valid until their expiration, but the Ministry has made it clear that any kombi operating without the required speed limiting and monitoring devices will face penalties.
The Ministry has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders in the road traffic ecosystem—including motorists, transport operators, and passengers—to remain vigilant against traffic violations such as speeding, overloading, and the use of un-roadworthy vehicles. It emphasized that these violations are serious offenses and that drivers and transport operators will be held accountable for any negligence that jeopardizes road safety.
The Ministry of Transport also calls all traffic law enforcement agencies and road safety advocates to collaborate in the fight against road fatalities, underscoring the critical role of speed regulation in ensuring the safety of Zimbabwe’s roads.