Metro police detain 21 drivers with outstanding traffic fines

TO avoid a nasty surprise when stopped at a roadblock, Ekurhuleni Metro Police urge motorists to pay their traffic fines.

On Sunday, between 9am and 1.30pm at the intersection of Overburry and Swartkoppies roads in Alberton, 21 drivers with warrants of arrest on unpaid traffic fines were detained and compelled to dig deep into their pockets to pay a total of R17 600 to avoid sleeping in police cells, said Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, metro police spokesperson.

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Twenty-eight other drivers paid their outstanding fines on site, with no warrants issued, totalling R15 520 to ensure they were on the safe side of the law.

“The City of Ekurhuleni has for some time now ensured that facilities at the convenience of traffic offenders are available to pay fines electronically. Over and above this, there are websites where one can pay a traffic fine in the comfort of his home or office. Each town in the City also has a walk-in office to pay,” Kgasago added.

“In the event, as a motorist you feel a traffic fine was unfairly issued, several recourses are available. Submit a written representation; see a senior public prosecutor or contest the fine in court.

“Ignoring the fine and hoping it will disappear is unwise as it could end up with a magistrate issuing a warrant of arrest, thus leading to your arrest or you forking out a huge unbudgeted amount to stay out of jail.”

The metro police implores motorists to periodically check the status of their traffic fines to avoid undesirable consequences.