The Government of the Republic of Zambia has officially revoked the Statutory Instrument that previously prohibited night driving.
In a decisive move to build a 24-hour economy, the government intends to shift its focus toward Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for road enforcement, including intelligent traffic monitoring and automated compliance mechanisms.
Speaking in a press release Minister of Transport and Logistics Hon. Frank Museba Tayali, MP, explained that while the ban was originally introduced as a road safety measure, it has since been overtaken by advancements in technology and the government’s commitment to modernizing national infrastructure.
“Revoking this Statutory Instrument is a progressive step towards unlocking Zambia’s economic potential. As we transition into a 24-hour economy, it is imperative that our transport and logistics systems operate seamlessly at all times,” Hon. Tayali stated.
“With the integration of ICTs in road traffic enforcement, we are confident that we can maintain high safety standards while allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in transport operations.”
He urged motorists and operators to exercise heightened caution and strictly adhere to traffic regulations during this transition.
The policy shift has, however, been met with calls for immediate road and infrastructure improvements from the public.
Meanwhile, a Lusaka resident from the Nyumba Yanga area, Peter Chikweta, emphasized that the government must take responsibility for ensuring road conditions are suitable for night travel.
He pointed out that many Zambian roads currently have faded markings and poor visibility, which could lead to an increase in traffic accidents if not addressed.
“The initiative to revoke the law on night travel is good. However, the government should ensure that the roads are safe enough for vehicles and other road users,” Chikweta noted.
While he acknowledged that transitioning to a 24-hour economy is a positive initiative to increase productivity, he emphasized that the success of the move depends on whether the roads are actually safe enough for vehicles and pedestrians once the sun goes down.