The points demerit system and driver rehabilitation programmes of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act will only be introduced from 1 July 2022, a year later than anticipated.
This was confirmed on Thursday by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, who said Aarto will be implemented in phases from July 1 this year.
Mbalula said by the time the milestone of the introduction of the points demerit system and driver rehabilitation programmes have been reached, there will be no excuse among road users that they do not understand the implications and consequences of the Aarto process.
The Automobile Association said it is pleased the government has heeded calls to clarify issues relating to the implementation of Aarto but stressed that no meaningful rollout of the system can occur until the system’s regulations are promulgated.
Here are the four phases:
Phase 1 will run from today until 30 September 2021 during which seven AARTO service outlets will be established nationally, the eNATIS will be enabled to collect AARTO payments, and will include a communications campaign to educate motorists on AARTO;
Phase 2 will run from 1 October to 31 December 2021 during which 67 local metropolitan authorities will ‘come online’ for AARTO processing, the adjudication process and Appeals Tribunal will start functioning, 18 more AARTO service outlets will be established;
Phase 3 will commence on 1 January 2022 and run until 30 June 2022 during which 144 municipal areas will be added to the AARTO system, and;
Phase 4 will begin 1 July 2022 and will see the introduction of the Points Demerit System as well as the rehabilitation programme for repeat offenders which serves as the backbone of AARTO.
(Additional reporting by Moneyweb)
