Implementation of new traffic demerit system questioned

The Automobile Association (AA) is seeking clarity on the demerit system for driving offences which is expected to come into effect next month.

The association has raised questions on whether motorists will, from July 1, be receiving the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) infringement notices, or if they will still be receiving the standard fines.

The new system will go hand-in-hand with the Aarto Act as both will serve to penalise drivers and fleet operators who regularly disobey road laws.

The number of points a driver incurs will be dependent on the offence committed and a certain number of demerit points will lead to suspension or cancellation of driver’s licences.

Director-General of the Department of Transport Alec Moemi said recently that phase 1 of Aarto would commence on July 1.

This phase will entail ‘setting up the registry and all requirements, ultimately working towards the introduction of a demerit system. There are five phases for the roll-out process.’

AA spokesperson Layton Beard said it is still unclear as to what this exactly means.

“All of this is creating huge confusion among motorists throughout the country, who are unsure if the legislation is or is not coming into force next month,” he said.

Beard also questioned what the other phases of the roll-out would entail as well as the time frames for their initiation and completion.

“Within this context motorists are being told that Aarto will be ‘implemented’ on July 1, with few people, if any, any wiser as to precisely what’s going to happen.

“Not only is this unfair on motorists, but it again casts doubt over the Road Traffic Infringement Agency ‘s ability to effectively implement the system once it actually becomes law,” said Beard.