PUBLIC transport operators and motorists have commended the Cabinet’s decision to review and reduce transport-related licences, permits, levies and fees, describing the move as a major relief that will cut operating costs, enhance compliance and ease the cost of doing business.
For years, motorists had raised concerns about the high cost of registering vehicles and obtaining number plates.
Under the new reforms, these costs have been lowered, a development that has been warmly received across the sector.
“This is a welcome move by the government, and it shows that our government is a listening government, and we are very grateful that we can change the ownership of our cars because it’s now affordable,” a motorist said.
“This move by the government is really commendable, especially on the number plates and change of ownership issue now we can comply with the laws because it is now affordable and the process has been simplified,” a driver said.
“These reforms in the transport sector are a welcome development, and this will ease doing business, especially on the levies side. We were losing a lot of revenue because many transporters were now avoiding passing through Zimbabwe because of the transit duty,” a resident added.
Transport operators hailed the scrapping of overlapping licences and the removal of unnecessary levies across passenger, haulage, cargo and taxi services.
“As an association, we are really grateful to the government for this move, and now I am sure it will be easier for public transport operators to register and be compliant because the fees have been reduced, so we welcome this Cabinet decision because it directly reduces the heavy costs we have been carrying for years. The reduction in vehicle registration and number plate fees is a huge relief, as these charges were becoming unaffordable for many operators and motorists,” Harare Youth Transporters Association Chairperson, Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe said.
“We see this as a strong signal that the government is listening to the concerns of the transport sector and is committed to creating a fair environment where business can thrive,” Automotive Industry operator, Lovemore Mangezi said.
With number plate fees down, levies scrapped, and processes simplified, both operators and motorists say the changes will help keep businesses on the road and ease the burden on the travelling public.
