Cape Town set to reject AARTO laws

Cape Town was set to reject delayed AARTO laws anyway, even though they’re already mired in bureaucratic confusion. In July last year, the ConCourt approved the driver-demerit laws that were set to go live countrywide on 1 July 2024.

Unsurprisingly, given the complexity of the AARTO laws proposed, this does not look like it will happen on time. The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has already missed its first deadline (1 February 2024) on the road to rolling out the scheme.

REJECT DELAYED AARTO LAWS

However, it’s of little import in Cape Town, because the province plans to reject the delayed AARTO laws anyway. JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security in the Western Cape, told TopAuto the province will be able to avoid implementation within its jurisdiction. It is understood that all violations besides speeding will be dealt with by local municipalities in the Western Cape, safeguarding millions of Rands in revenue in the process.

ALSO READ: Please Call Me idea-man Kenneth Nkosana Makate could now be among richest in South Africa

Furthermore, revenue generation is the major stumbling block behind AARTO rollout. Many municipalities have quickly cottoned onto the cost and complexity of the system. And the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) believes AARTO will see local traffic authorities lose millions in revenue. It noted that as much as 50% of traffic-fine revenue will be diverted to the RTIA instead, costing anywhere between R5-7 million annually.

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS

Cape Town will be able to reject delayed AARTO laws by virtue of recent legislative amendments. These allow municipalities to select whether they use pre-existing laws or the divisive AARTO act. Smith says this is possible when provincial and municipal by-laws cover the same enforcements.

ALSO READ: A giraffe attacks couple from Barberton on Valentine’s Day

In essence, the Western Cape will pick and choose which AARTO laws it will accept. Smith has previously said violations such as speeding could be handled through the AARTO system. And other infringements will be better handled under the auspices of existing provincial by-laws. Smith urged other municipalities around the country to adopt a similar framework, rather than switching wholeheartedly to AARTO in 2024.

DEMERIT SYSTEM

As a reminder, there are currently 2 659 offences under AARTO law, click HERE to check the fines related to them. According to proposed driver-demerit system, motorists accumulate 15 demerit points on their licence before suspension. It may only be suspended twice before it is cancelled and you need to apply again from scratch.

ALSO READ: Urine case: Expelled Stellenbosch student going on trial this June