The New Highway code by Daimon Phiri
The New Highway code came into being through the enactment of the Road Traffic Signs and Signals Regulations and Statutory 41 of 2016 legalised in Signals and Signs making them enforceable in the. country . Zimbabwe is a signatory to the SADC protocol and has joined other regional countries in the harmonisation of road signage
The idea of the harmonisation follows the realization move from from one country to another they have to come across signs and and Signals that they are familiar with. This is set by the SADC region to achieve the United Nations set target of reducing road carnage by 50 percent
The SADC Signs and Signals have new Signs for pedestrian and drivers .
On the new road signs and Signals we now have command signs, prohibition signs, reservation signs, selective restrictions signs and derestriction signs.
Those that fall under warning signs are road lay-out signs , direction of movement signs , stmbolic signs, temporary signs and hazard marker signs.
Carriage way markings have been redesigned to match those in other countries in the region , while a four way stop system has been introduced which is safer than the traditional stop signs or signal controlled intersections
New signals such as the minimum speed limit sign and hitch hiking are expected to improve traffic flow and makes travelling on roads safer.
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However, a procision has been made for the non SADC Signs to remain on display until December 2025. But all signs that are damaged , vandalised or obscured should be replaced with the new equivalent SADC Sign.
Road aithories, Department of Road, Urban Councils and Rural Discrict Councils are to ensure that they erect the new signs and Signals as required by the Statutory Instrument 41 of 2016 and The SADC design manual
Daimon Phiri
Daimon Phiri a journalist and instructor . A published author of books and articles on motoring , driving on social media , newspapers and several journals .
The New Highway Code
