Cracking Down On Reckless Driving: ZRP Launches Operation ‘Tame The Traffic Jungle’

In a bid to bring order to the chaotic roads, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched “Operation Tame the Traffic Jungle.”

This operation aims to address the lawlessness and congestion caused by reckless driving, violation of traffic rules, and non-compliance with vehicle registration requirements.

Operation “Tame the Traffic Jungle”: Cracking Down on Reckless Driving:

Under this operation, the ZRP is targeting various aspects of traffic misconduct to restore order on the roads.

The police are particularly concerned about drivers who engage in dangerous behaviors such as driving against oncoming traffic, ignoring traffic lights, and violating lane regulations.

The operation also focuses on addressing the reckless conduct of pirate vehicles, mushika-shika (informal transportation), and public service vehicles that flout the country’s laws by picking up passengers from unauthorized points.

Impounding Unregistered And Unroadworthy Vehicles

To enforce vehicle registration requirements, the ZRP will impound any vehicles found on the roads without proper registration plates. This includes vehicles with temporary plates.

The Central Vehicle Registry has assured the police that an adequate stock of number plates is available, leaving no excuse for motorists not to register their vehicles within the stipulated two weeks after importation.

Cracking Down On Reckless Driving: ZRP Launches Operation ‘Tame The Traffic Jungle’

Additionally, heavy vehicles that disregard designated routes and criss-cross residential suburbs will also face action, as per national regulations and local authority by-laws.

Crackdown on Unroadworthy and Illegally Modified Vehicles

Operation “Tame the Traffic Jungle” also targets unroadworthy vehicles and public service vehicles that lack necessary documents such as insurance, route authority, and certificate of fitness.

The police will not spare vehicle owners who block traffic by leaving breakdown vehicles on the road without proper warning signs.

The operation also addresses the issue of illegal fittings on motor vehicles, such as bar lights used in violation of road traffic regulations.

Furthermore, farming equipment like tractors and combine harvesters driven on highways in disregard of relevant statutes will be impounded.

Since the launch of “Operation Tame the Traffic Jungle” on September 12th, 2023, the ZRP has wasted no time in taking action.

On the first day alone, the police made 1,940 arrests and impounded 865 vehicles throughout the country.