The Automobile Association (AA) has urged motorists to be aware of the current issues regarding the electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis), that may cause problems with vehicle licence disc and drivers’ licence renewals, and the payment of traffic fines. This is according to news reports on the matter today.
This stems from an urgent action brought on Friday in the Pretoria High Court by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) which sought to stop Telkom from cutting services to eNatis.
Telkom said it would suspend services to eNatis as it was owed R8 million. The company currently in possession of eNatis, Tasima, said the RTMC must pay the money, leading to an impasse between the RTMC, Tasima, and Telkom.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the current contract between the Department of Transport and Tasima be declared invalid, and the eNatis system be handed over to the RTMC. Tasima and the RTMC have failed to reach an agreement on this handover.
“In all of this, the interests of the motoring public in South Africa seems to have been lost. This matter has been dragging on for years, and, now, finally, we are seeing the potential devasting effects on motorists. We urge all people who want to either renew their drivers’ or vehicle licences to check ahead to see if they are able to do it, before wasting time in what may be a fruitless endeavour,” the AA said.
According to reports, Judge Hans Fabricius ruled that, because of the complexity of the matter, he could not issue an order today. He ordered the RTMC and Tasima to finalise the handover of eNatis by next Thursday.
“While we certainly hope this matter is brought to a swift conclusion, we cannot help but be concerned about the fallout from this debacle. Law abiding citizens are going to be the hardest hit, and, on top of everything, are paying the legal costs of the RTMC in the process. Who is responsible for this mess is a debate for another day; what is important now is that it is resolved quickly,” the AA noted.
The Association said it would monitor developments closely over the next few days, and provide as much clarity on the matter as it could, as it appeared neither Tasima, the RTMC, or Telkom were informing the public directly on what was going on.
(Statement: Supplied)
