In a bid to improve road safety, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced new regulations limiting the operational radius of 26-seater kombis and smaller vehicles from 120 km to 60 km. The changes, effective from September 3RD, 2024, aim to reduce road traffic crashes involving kombis by promoting the use of high-capacity buses for longer routes.
The Ministry emphasized that high-capacity buses are more reliable, comfortable, and better suited for long-distance travel due to their enhanced safety features and additional legroom and baggage space. The new policy will affect kombis applying for new route permits, while previously issued permits will remain valid until they expire.
Furthermore, kombis operating within the 60 km radius are required to install speed limiting and monitoring devices, as mandated by Section 3 (1) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023.
The Ministry has warned operators that failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties, stressing the importance of adhering to legal and safety obligations for the protection of all road users.
