Finance Minister Felix Mutati says government has lifted the ban on night driving effective December 6.

Speaking when he conducted an on-the-spot tour of the construction of the 923 meter long permanent rail and road bridge between Zambia and Botswana in Kazungula today, Mutati said effective Wednesday next week, Public Service Vehicles will be allowed to move after 21:00 hours.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Communication Public Relations Officer Maimbolwa Mulikelela said Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba will on Monday sign a revision to the SI.

“We shall be calling for a press briefing on Monday. The minister is expected to sign a revision to the SI on Monday and all queries will be answered during the press briefing,” said Mulikelela.

Mutati said the decision to lift the ban was aimed at effecting positive growth in Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product by allowing the wheels of commerce to continue rotating every hour.

According to a statement by First Secretary for press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in Botswana Kasabo Kalusa, Mutati said the decision to lift the ban would further encourage a surge in activity levels for mining and agriculture sectors in terms of job creation.

“The original intention of the ban was to try and enhance safety on our roads. So the Minister responsible for Transportation has put in adequate measures to ensure that safety requirements are met. So from next week government is going to lift the ban on night driving. In particular the mining sector, they are moving material across mines. I think it is prudent that we allow commerce to move ahead. So next week we are lifting the ban,” said Mutati.

Government had banned night driving following numerous road traffic accidents in October 2016.