Zambia is expected to soon lift a night travel ban imposed on trucks and public service vehicles on the country's roads.

The ban was originally introduced in November 2016, in effect between 21H00 and 17H00, to reduce high rates of traffic accidents.

At that time, it was established that on average, 55% of accidents occurred at night. 

Further studies indicated that authorities successfully reduced road traffic crashes by approximately 24% and fatalities by over 50% in the years following its implementation. 

The ministry responsible, alongside the Road Transport and Safety Agency, is developing a freight safety management policy and monitoring roadworthiness before it will consider fully lifting the restrictions. 

"We are very pleased with the progress being made on this particular project, and I can almost certainly say because of those statistics, 60% of crashes occurring on this road, I can almost certainly say once the road is completed, we will definitely be able to reinstate the 24/7 economy where our people can also move at night," emphasises Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali.

Improved road design, lighting and safety features on the new dual carriageway are expected to make night travel safer.