The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has rolled out a new peak-hour traffic management strategy after motorists complained that excessive enforcement was worsening congestion across Harare.
The shift follows submissions made through the Community Liaison Committee (CLC), which argued that focusing on tickets instead of traffic flow was fuelling gridlock on major routes into the Central Business District.
Speaking at Solomon Mujuru Road and Harare Drive yesterday, CLC Harare District chairperson Nomore Phiri commended police for responding to public concerns.
“We would like to praise the relaunch of the police Client Service Charter, which fosters a better relationship between law enforcement and the public,” he said.
“Today (yesterday) we gather here to address this critical issue.”
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Phiri said motorists had contributed to chaos through reckless behaviour.
“Some drivers have been creating makeshift lanes, which only add to congestion. We urge all drivers to practice patience,” he said.
He also warned passengers against boarding unregistered mushika-shika vehicles, saying they posed serious risks.
Harare Traffic Operations boss Superintendent Tendai Muza said the priority during peak hours was now traffic flow, not fines.
“We are deploying traffic officers during peak times to manage traffic flow without strict enforcement,” Supt Muza said.
“However, some motorists, including kombi drivers, are provoking our officers by violating rules.”
He warned that police would act against reckless driving and urged pedestrians to use designated bus stops instead of hailing transport at intersections.
Acknowledging increasing vehicle volumes, Supt Muza encouraged motorists to adjust travel times and cooperate with officers controlling junctions.
