Relief offered to Capetonians overwhelmed by traffic fines

The City of Cape Town has ramped up its Traffic Fine Roadshows, providing motorists with an opportunity to resolve outstanding fines and warrants.

Since December 2023, thousands of drivers have taken advantage of these initiatives, leading to a noticeable increase in fine payments.

The City has hosted four roadshows since December 2023, including the most recent event in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain.

Traffic fines worth over R21m

The roadshows have seen a substantial turnout, with 7 387 clients engaging with officials, the City said in a statement, and 69 979 representations made regarding outstanding fines and warrants.

These outstanding penalties have been valued at over R21.5 million.

Motorists have had opportunities to make enquiries about outstanding fines, negotiate reductions and settle outstanding fines and warrants.

Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, noted South Africa’s “chronically low” traffic fine payment rate, and how these roadshow efforts are beginning to pay off.

“In some cases, we’ve had to play hardball, particularly where motorists have reams of outstanding warrants and no intention of paying,” Smith said.

“I firmly believe that the publicity around arrests of scofflaws on our list of Top 100 offenders, as well as the conversations and interest that the roadshows have generated, have contributed to increased compliance – at least in terms of fine payments.”

Massive increase in accountability

The City’s proactive approach has yielded a 57% increase in traffic fine income for the 2023/24 financial year. These takings have reached just over R331 million compared to R211 million the previous year.

This surge in revenue comes alongside the execution of nearly 100 000 warrants during the same period.

“The Safety & Security Portfolio Committee welcomes the improvement,” said the Chairperson, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

[The roadshows] have brought services closer to the public and motivated many to come forward and clear the slate.”

“I also want to thank those members of the public who are taking accountability for their actions by settling their fines.”

The City says at least two more roadshows are pencilled in for the remainder of the calendar year. The details and venues regarding these will be announced at a later stage.

How to stay in the good books

In the meantime, the City of Cape Town urges motorists to read the following general info points regarding traffic fines:

• The City has numerous payment channels available: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Fines/Pay-your-traffic-fine.
• Motorists can make representations to have fines reduced or withdrawn, depending on the circumstances.
• Infringement notifications and payment reminders are sent directly to motorists via SMS.
• Motorists can check whether they have any outstanding traffic fines by visiting www.payfines.co.za.
• The Traffic Service has a dedicated team that works to track down offenders on the Top 100 warrants list.
• Officers are able to use their handheld devices and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to track down offenders. These can be used at vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks or while doing roving patrols.
• Motorists with outstanding fines/warrants will also have an Admin Mark attached to their profile on the Natis system. This means they are unable to renew vehicle licences or register a vehicle until their fines/warrants have been finalised.
• The number of traffic roadshows has been increased to bring services closer to the public, in a central location.
• The City has also introduced traffic buses that visit malls and other high traffic areas, where motorists can enquire about/settle fines.