Harare to Install 49 Smart Solar Traffic Lights in Major Bid to Reduce Congestion

Harare is set for a major traffic management upgrade after City Parking announced plans to install 49 smart solar-powered traffic light systems across the capital in partnership with the City of Harare. The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise the city's ageing traffic infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion at some of Harare's busiest intersections. According to City Parking, the new intelligent traffic management system will replace outdated traffic lights with modern, energy-efficient units equipped with advanced monitoring and control technology.

A key feature of the project is the installation of solar-powered traffic lights, which are expected to remain operational even during Zimbabwe's frequent electricity outages. Power cuts have often resulted in malfunctioning traffic lights, causing severe congestion, longer travel times, and an increased risk of road accidents. The new installations will use high-visibility LED displays that consume less energy while offering improved visibility for motorists and pedestrians. City Parking said the systems are designed for remote monitoring and can easily be upgraded as technology evolves.

The project will also introduce a central traffic control centre that will enable officials to monitor traffic conditions across Harare in real time. Using live data from the network, traffic controllers will be able to adjust signal timings during peak periods to improve the movement of vehicles along major routes. The intelligent traffic management platform is expected to reduce unnecessary delays by automatically responding to changing traffic volumes throughout the day.

One of the project's most significant innovations is the introduction of intelligent "green wave" coordination. According to City Parking, the technology synchronises traffic lights along major roads so that motorists travelling at appropriate speeds encounter consecutive green lights.

"One of the standout features of the new system is intelligent green wave coordination, which can be implemented by configuring phase differences and timing plans for main road intersections," the company said.

"This functionality facilitates continuous green wave progression along main roads, effectively minimising vehicle stops and enhancing both traffic throughput and driver satisfaction."

Traffic engineers say coordinated signal systems can significantly reduce congestion, fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions while improving journey times.

The traffic light upgrade follows City Parking's recent rollout of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking enforcement system. The ANPR technology uses cameras mounted on enforcement vehicles to automatically scan and record vehicle registration numbers before transmitting the information to a central monitoring centre. Authorities say the integrated systems are intended to improve traffic management, parking enforcement, and overall urban mobility as Harare continues implementing smart city technologies. Once completed, the 49 new smart intersections are expected to enhance road safety, improve traffic efficiency, and reduce the impact of power outages on the capital's transport network.

Harare smart traffic lights