The decision was taken during a recent council meeting after it came to light that no collection strategy exists to gather outstanding fines older than three years.

This means that motorists with outstanding fines will be let off the hook.

https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/76042/mayoral-awards-know-someone-worthy-recognition/

The decision comes after a vote wherein ANC councillors outnumbered DA councillors, who opposed the scrapping of fines.

Read: Online prepaid system available from today

It was made because outstanding fines can only be collected via a warrant of arrest obtained from the Magistrate Court.

The warrants are only valid for two years, leaving the traffic department without means to legally collect the outstanding fines older than three years.

Fines will be scrapped from June 2018 and annually thereafter.

https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/31453/pay-fines-or-pay-consequence/

The DA said that R38 million in revenue could have been used in various projects in the municipality. They also said the scrapping of such fines will send the wrong message to traffic offenders and hinder future collection attempts.

Permission was granted to conduct an investigation into the management of fines.

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