Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, has welcomed the signing of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, Aarto, into law.
At a media briefing on Sunday, Minister Mbalula said that the AARTO Act is amongst one of the most engaged upon pieces of legislation which was passed by both Houses of Parliament in March 2019
President Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law this week, but the Automobile Association and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) say the law infringes on drivers’ constitutional rights, and would not improve road safety.
They say it could also be used to force Gauteng motorists to pay e-tolls.
Minister Mbalaula said the AARTO Act will usher in ‘Business Unusual’ on our roads, as it makes way for the following provisions:
• Points Demerit System: This is an objective and fair system of identifying reckless drivers and law breakers so that we can remove them from the driving fold.
• Common penalties: All traffic violations throughout the country will carry the same penal values.
• Electronic service: This means that law enforcement can be effectively supported by technology, servicing documents by electronic means, such as e-mail. Similarly, infringers can exercise their options electronically.
• Infringement Appeals Tribunal: Where Infringers can appeal against the rulings of the RTIA to the tribunal.
• Repeal of court elections: Where Infringers do not have to be burdened by the courts for infringements
• Driver Rehabilitation programmes: Infringers who have their licences suspended can attend rehabilitation programmes before being allowed back in the driving fold.
