Parly Urges Stricter Road Traffic Enforcement for ...

Parly Urges Stricter Road Traffic Enforcement for Nightlife Goers

Oscar J Jeke - Zim Now Reporter

Parliament has raised alarm over the rising number of road traffic accidents linked to night-time revelers, urging the Government to implement stricter enforcement measures targeting motorists travelling from nightclubs and entertainment venues.

Raising the matter during a parliamentary session, Naledi Maunganidze, Member of the National Assembly under the Youth Quota representing Masvingo called for immediate action to curb what she described as a “pressing concern that affects the safety and well-being of our communities.”

“In recent months, we have observed a troubling rise in traffic incidents, particularly during night-time hours involving individuals who would have enjoyed the vibrant nightlife our cities offer,” Maunganidze said. “While we celebrate the thriving social scene and the economic contributions of our entertainment industry, we must also ensure the safety of our citizens on the roads.”

The legislator proposed the deployment of more police checkpoints on major routes leading to and from nightlife venues, equipped with rigorous breathalyser testing kits to detect and deter drunk driving. She further recommended that repeat offenders should automatically have their driver’s licences revoked and that automated speed limit enforcement systems be introduced to monitor compliance.

“I urge the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to prioritize this initiative and procure the necessary equipment and training to execute it efficiently,” she said.

Beyond enforcement, Maunganidze called for community-driven solutions, such as in-drive programmes that provide designated sober drivers to ferry patrons home safely.

“These programmes have proven successful in other nations in not only reducing accidents but also cultivating a culture of responsibility and care among patrons,” she noted.

Her remarks come amid increasing reports of fatal night-time accidents, often involving intoxicated drivers. Maunganidze concluded with a sombre warning: “Tragically, innocent children are dying as a result of these accidents. We cannot allow nightlife enjoyment to come at the cost of innocent lives.”

The call for tighter regulation of post-nightlife road traffic resonates with sentiments by road traffic authorities such as the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe who have pinned many of the accidents to human error.