The Government approved this Tuesday (16), during a Council of Ministers session, a draft law authorising the revision of the Highway Code. Among the main changes foreseen are the introduction of a penalty points driving licence system and the use of surveillance cameras to strengthen road traffic enforcement.
The measure is part of the ongoing process to update road legislation and aims to align existing rules with current traffic realities. According to the spokesperson of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá, the revision seeks to respond to the evolution of national and international traffic, technological advances, and the requirements of sustainable mobility.
“The Government is authorised to revise the Highway Code in order to adapt the rules to the dynamics of national and international road traffic, technological advances, and sustainable mobility,” Salim Valá explained.
During the same session, the Executive approved the draft law that will allow the revision of the current Highway Code, in force since 2011. The document also provides for the repeal of existing legislation and the adaptation of complementary legal instruments, which will later be submitted to the Assembly of the Republic.
Among the most significant changes is the adoption of a penalty points driving licence system, already used in several countries. According to Salim Valá, this mechanism will strengthen control over driver behaviour and promote greater accountability on the roads.
In addition, the Government intends to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing road traffic offences. The proposal also foresees harmonising the Highway Code with Mozambican criminal law, making the application of penalties more effective.
To support this process, the Executive plans to introduce surveillance cameras on public roads exclusively for traffic monitoring purposes. Salim Valá clarified that these devices will be used solely for traffic surveillance and enforcement, with no other purpose.
The revision of the Highway Code also includes the incorporation of new vehicle categories, reflecting technological developments in the automotive sector. These include electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles.
According to the Government, the reform also aims to strengthen oversight of drivers, particularly those operating in passenger and freight transport sectors, considered sensitive areas for road safety.
The initiative comes amid high levels of road accidents in the country. Data from the National Institute of Road Transport (INATRO) indicates that at least 25 people died in traffic accidents between 4 and 10 May. In the same period, 2,513 drivers were sanctioned for various offences.
In response, the Executive has reinforced a “zero tolerance” policy advocated by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, while also addressing concerns raised by President Daniel Chapo regarding high accident rates and the need for more effective enforcement.
Source: Lusa
