Zambia to limit age for used imported vehicles

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) says it welcomes government’s move against old vehicles imported into the country.

ZIPAR Executive Director Pamela Nakamba-Kabaso says government’s introduction of a maximum age limit for second-hand vehicles being imported into the country was good as it will help regulate the influx of old vehicles.

ZIPAR’s research findings show that the average age of Zambia’s motor vehicle fleet has increased from 12 years in 2006 to above 15 years in 2014, she said.

Dr. Nakamba-Kabaso said most second hand vehicles being imported into the country have a life span of 10.5 to about 13 years, from 2006 to 2014, respectively.

The ZIPAR Executive Director said in Lusaka today argued that most vehicles being from abroad especially from Japan were old.

She said older cars are un-reliable as they constantly break down thereby Zambians were increasing risk of buying vehicles without good value for money.

She added that it would be difficulty to reduce the high rate of road carnages in the country therefore the law is welcome if enacted.

Zambia currently ranks 12th out of 48 countries in Africa with a record 23.7 road traffic deaths per 100,000 population.

Recently, Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Deputy Minister Richwell Siamunene has indicated that the legislation which will put an age limit to the vehicles entering the country has since reached an advanced stage.

Mr. Siamunene during the launch of auto loans by Standard Chartered Bank last week however, could not divulge more detail on what the maximum age limit would be.

The motor vehicle population in Zambia, which is increasing at the rate of 45,000 annually has about 650, 000 motor vehicles, of which used vehicles account for 60 percent.

Standard Chartered Bank Global Head of Client Segments Euan Campbell said the six-year tenure will make new vehicle ownership affordable for many clients.