Smart traffic cameras to curb road accidents
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR will officially roll out an automated traffic enforcement system on Saturday, marking a major step towards improving road safety and curbing traffic violations through smart surveillance technology.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, said the Speed and Radar Camera system, integrated with CCTV surveillance, will become fully operational after a month-long pilot phase launched on July 1.
He said the adoption of intelligent traffic monitoring technology represents a significant milestone in modernising Zanzibar’s transport sector and strengthening compliance with road safety regulations.
“The system is designed not only to enforce traffic laws but also to encourage responsible driving behaviour,” Dr Khalid said.
The cameras will detect a wide range of traffic offences, including speeding, using mobile phones while driving, failing to wear seat belts, riding motorcycles without helmets, passenger overloading—commonly known as mshikaki—and ignoring traffic signs and signals.
The system will also identify vehicles that are unroadworthy, uninsured or have outstanding parking fines.
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Once an offence is detected, an automatic notification detailing the violation and the applicable penalty will be sent to the registered vehicle owner’s mobile phone.
Dr Khalid said the initiative is intended to prevent road accidents rather than punish motorists.
“We urge all road users to comply with traffic laws. The objective is to save lives, reduce road crashes and promote a culture of responsible driving,” he said.
With traffic volumes continuing to rise across Zanzibar, authorities expect the technology to strengthen enforcement, reduce human error and minimise opportunities for corruption associated with manual traffic policing.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise transport infrastructure, enhance public safety and expand the use of smart technologies in public service delivery
