Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has announced a phased-in approach to the roll-out of AARTO but these phases can only be implemented once the regulations are finalized and enacted – a process which may delay the final implementation of the system scheduled for July 2022.
Government has heeded calls to clarify issues relating to the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses (AARTO) but says no real roll-out of the system can occur until the system’s regulations are promulgated.
It is critical every road user in the country understands the implications of the suspension and cancellation of licenses due to non-compliant behaviour with road traffic laws.
Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister
Minister Mbalula says there are four phases to the AARTO roll-out as follows:
- Phase 1 will run from today until 30 September 2021 during which seven AARTO service outlets will be established nationally, the eNATIS will be enabled to collect AARTO payments, and will include a communications campaign to educate motorists on AARTO;
- Phase 2 will run from 1 October to 31 December 2021 during which 67 local metropolitan authorities will ‘come online’ for AARTO processing, the adjudication process and Appeals Tribunal will start functioning, 18 more AARTO service outlets will be established;
- Phase 3 will commence on 1 January 2022 and run until 30 June 2022 during which 144 municipal areas will be added to the AARTO system, and;
- Phase 4 which will begin 1 July 2022 and which will see the introduction of the Points Demerit System as well as the rehabilitation programme for repeat offenders which serves as the backbone of AARTO.
“By the time we reach this milestone, there will be no excuse among our road users that they do not understand the implications and consequences of the AARTO process,” said Mbalula.
“Considering the significant impact the points demerit system will have on the public, it is critical intensive public awareness and education campaigns are intensified to ensure every road user in the country understands the implications of the suspension and cancellation of licences due to non-compliant behaviour with road traffic laws,” he said.
We must be mindful that AARTO is being introduced to save lives, and if you are compliant with all road traffic laws you have nothing to worry about.
FIKILE MBALULA, TRANSPORT MINISTER
“We must be mindful that AARTO is being introduced to save lives, and if you are compliant with all road traffic laws you have nothing to worry about. SA has to remain true to the commitments made to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021—2030. We have made a commitment to arresting the carnage on our roads and committed to reimagine our approach to road safety and making sure our people arrive alive when using our roads.”
Road users will be able to view and query their fines on the AARTO website or the AARTO mobile app, where they can nominate the driver of the vehicle, apply for representation, apply for a revocation of an enforcement order, or arrange to pay their fines in instalments up to a period of six months.
