Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said road traffic offenses will attract a maximum fine of US$700 and imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, with effect from 1 January 2019.
Ncube said the increase is meant to promote road safety culture by adhering to road traffic regulations. Said Ncube:
Mr Speaker Sir, road traffic offenses are classified under levels 1 to 3 of the Standard Scale of Fines, with a maximum monetary value of US$30. The current fines, which should act as a deterrent to criminal behavior, have not assisted in reducing such malpractices, mainly due to the low monetary values. In order to promote road safety culture by adhering to road traffic regulations, I propose that any person who commits such offenses be liable to fines of levels 8 to 10, which attract a maximum fine of US$700 and imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, with effect from 1 January 2019.
A measure but quite pinutive considering salaries in Zimbabwe have remained static for over 1.5 decades now. Pinutive laws needed but not the best remedy, for other interventions to do with public education and campaign among many could be used. Bring more players into all your state dealings and make consultations beyond your offices or corridors, he results will surprise you.