Implementation of controversial 2024 AARTO laws delayed
Following a Constitutional Court ruling, the actual rollout of controversial 2024 AARTO laws has been pushed out indefinitely. Here’s why …
You’ll recall a Constitutional Court ruling last year on 2024 AARTO laws that were slated to come into effect countrywide in July. Now, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency has confirmed that the phased rollout is delayed indefinitely.
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In report from Business Tech, intended date of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act is longer be viable. Essentially, the 2024 AARTO laws introduce a driver demerit system that sees motorists accrue points on their licences. Furthermore, fines and notices can be legally served via email and not through the South African Post Office.
2024 AARTO LAWS
So, why has implementation of the much-maligned 2024 AARTO laws been pushed back? Unsurprisingly, lawmakers have underestimated how much work goes into revising the laws and regulations. These include:
- Finalising the draft AARTO Regulations.
- Improving the digital infrastructure to connect eNATIS with 213 issuing authorities around the country.
- Training traffic officers on the 2024 AARTO laws.
- Signing contracts with local government.
- Establishing AARTO service outlets across the country.
- Host legislative workshops to institutionalise AARTO.
- Conduct AARTO community awareness on the benefits of its implementation.
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However, while the above has largely been done, the 2024 AARTO laws rollout has hit another snag. And it’s the introduction to all 69 municipalities across the country that’s holding up proceedings. Earmarked to start last week on 1 February, this has been postponed until further notice.
STILL FINALISING DETAILS
Furthermore, the RTIA said the Department of Transport is still ‘finalising certain issues’ to be included in the Proclamation of the AARTO Amendment Act. “And these are absolutely necessary for the implementation of phase 2 and, as such, the 2024 AARTO laws can not be launched by the planned date,” concluded the agency.
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