Effective immediately, commuter omnibuses, popularly known as ‘kombis’, will now face significant operational restrictions aimed at enhancing road safety. Under new regulations announced on Tuesday, these minibuses are restricted to operating within a 60-kilometre radius of their route permits, a drastic reduction from the previous 120-kilometre limit. This measure is part of a broader strategy to curb the rising incidence of road traffic accidents involving kombis.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Minister Felix Mhona underscored the necessity of this policy shift in response to increasing fatalities and injuries on the roads. The new regulations also mandate that all public service vehicles, including kombis, must be equipped with speed-limiting and monitoring devices to enhance compliance and safety.
Minister Mhona emphasized that this policy adjustment will only apply to new permit applications starting from September 3, 2024. Current kombi operators with valid permits will continue their services until their permits expire. However, the new requirement for speed limiting and monitoring devices will be enforced immediately for all kombis, regardless of permit status.
“The policy shift is designed to mitigate against road traffic crashes involving kombis,” Mhona said. “Under the new regulations, all 26-seater kombis and smaller vehicles will be restricted to a radius of no more than 60 kilometers. This is intended to ensure that these vehicles operate within a safer, more manageable distance.”
For travel beyond the 60-kilometer radius, the Minister recommended that commuters utilize high-capacity buses, which offer greater reliability, comfort, and space for long-distance journeys. “Buses provide more legroom and baggage space, making them a more suitable option for longer trips compared to kombis,” Mhona noted.
The new regulations also address the technical aspects of vehicle safety. All kombis must now install speed limiting and monitoring devices, as stipulated in Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023. This legal requirement mandates that no passenger public service vehicle registered in Zimbabwe may operate without these devices.
Mhona also called on inspection officers to rigorously enforce these regulations. “No kombi operator or owner should be issued a certificate of fitness unless their vehicle is equipped with both speed limiting and monitoring devices,” he stated. For those concerned about the implications of these changes, Mhona reassured that existing route permits remain valid until their expiration. Nonetheless, the Ministry will enforce the new requirements strictly from this point forward. The move reflects a concerted effort by the government to address safety concerns on Zimbabwe’s roads and improve the overall quality of public transportation.
In other news – Ronwen Williams makes history with Yashin Trophy nomination
Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns star, Ronwen Williams, has achieved a historic milestone by being nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards. Williams is the only African goalkeeper among the ten nominees for FIFA’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, marking a significant moment in football history.
Williams’ nomination is particularly notable as he is the first goalkeeper to be recognized for this award while playing for an African club. His outstanding performance throughout the 2023/2024 season has been a key factor in this achievement. Read More
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