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Pretoria - Had the penalty-point system for traffic offences been in force in Johannesburg, the authorities would have suspended 40 000 motorists' driver's licences since April last year.
This is according to informed sources who wish to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, but who are concerned about the effect of the planned system on the country's economy.
The system is part of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act, which is currently being tested in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
In terms of the act, motorists receive penalty points for traffic violations and lose their driving licences for three months once they have accumulated 12 points. However, penalty points have not been awarded in these two cities yet.
Nevertheless, the legislation will come into force countrywide later this year, including the imposition of penalty points.
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said the figure could have disastrous consequences for the economy with some 40 000 people who theoretically fell foul of the system likely to be economically active.
According to Sake24's source, most of these drivers have been guilty of minor offences such as double-parking, which earns a point each time.
The person involved quickly accumulates 12 points, which means his or her driving licence would be suspended for three months.
Many drivers, such as those making deliveries, had no option but to double-park because there is insufficient parking place available in the city centre, said Kleynhans.
The union would discuss the issue with government and tackle it through its civil rights initiative, Afriforum.
Solidarity's protests come on the back of the Fedusa trade union saying it would raise the issue at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and ask for a moratorium on Aarto.
In August, the forum of metropolitan heads expressed their concerns in a memorandum to the Minister of Transport, but with little result.
Sake24 understands that the intention is to implement Aarto from July 1 without the penalty points in the other metropolitan areas, and in November to start applying the full legislation countrywide with penalty points.
- Sake24.com
For business news in Afrikaans, go to Sake24.com.