Share

Traffic fine plan anti-business

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.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.02
-0.6%
Rand - Pound
24.00
-0.4%
Rand - Euro
20.53
-0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.35
-0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.6%
Platinum
901.20
+0.5%
Palladium
997.97
-0.4%
Gold
2,210.69
+0.7%
Silver
24.71
+0.3%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,075
+0.6%
All Share
74,269
+0.5%
Resource 10
56,834
+2.1%
Industrial 25
103,553
+0.3%
Financial 15
16,490
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders