Mobile crushing units to enforce vehicle compliance

In an unprecedented stride towards enforcing traffic law compliance, Zibabwe National Roads Authority (Zinara) has unveiled a novel initiative set to redefine road use discipline: crush the offending cars.

Slated for roll-out this April, this initiative introduces mobile vehicle crushing units stationed at toll gates across the country, targeting vehicles with incorrect registrations or those harbouring outstanding vehicle licencing arrears dating back to 2018 or earlier.

Zinara, in a statement that has since stirred spirited discussions, articulated that this drastic measure aims to cleanse the roads of unlawfully operated vehicles, thereby enhancing safety and ensuring compliance.

“It is high time we take definitive steps to address the issue of vehicle compliance. Our roads are not a haven for those who choose to flout regulations.

“This initiative is both a deterrent and a direct action towards rectifying pervasive non-compliance,” Zinara asserted.

Under this audacious programme, vehicles approaching toll gates will undergo a swift verification process. Those found in violation of incorrectly registered, or with licence fees in arrears for over four years, will be subjected to immediate crushing.

Zinara assured the public that this process would be swift, efficient and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to vehicle registration and licencing laws.

Critics of the initiative have raised concerns over its extremity and the potential loss of valuable assets for minor administrative lapses.

However, proponents argue that the measure is a necessary shock to the system, expected to significantly reduce the number of unlicensed and incorrectly registered vehicles on the roads, thus, in turn, enhancing road safety and legal compliance.

To facilitate the transition, Zinara has announced a grace period leading up to the implementation of the initiative.

Vehicle owners are urged to rectify any discrepancies in their vehicle’s registration or settle outstanding licence fees to avoid the irreversible fate of having their vehicles crushed.

The statement said the implementation of mobile crushing units at toll gates is not merely about punishing non-compliance but is part of a broader strategy to modernise road safety measures and instil a culture of responsibility among vehicle owners.

“This is about safeguarding our roads and ensuring that every vehicle on them is there by right, contributing to a safer and more regulated road traffic environment,” Zinara emphasised.

As Zimbabwe braces for this groundbreaking initiative, the message from Zinara is clear: “Compliance is not optional.” This bold step underscores Zinara’s commitment to enforcing road traffic laws and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.