Speeding motorists and drivers failing to stop at various intersections in Newcastle, alongside the number of weekly collisions, underscore the critical need for more stringent traffic enforcement in our town. In response, Newcastillians can anticipate the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system rollout within a few weeks.
Set to be implemented nationwide from 1 July 2024, the AARTO system heralds a new era for South African roads.
As previously reported by Newcastillian News, this point-based system will see drivers starting with zero points. Offences will incur between one and six points, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Accruing more than 15 points will result in a driver’s licence suspension for up to three months. Additionally, for every point over 15, a further three-month suspension will be imposed. For instance, a driver with 19 points will face a licence suspension of one year.
Three suspensions will lead to the cancellation of the driver’s licence, necessitating the motorist to retake both their learner’s and driving tests. Furthermore, operating a vehicle during the suspension period constitutes a criminal offence, punishable by a fine or imprisonment, along with an additional six demerit points upon conviction.
With the AARTO system’s demerit and fine framework set to be introduced imminently click here to learn more.
As the final countdown begins, Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit has confirmed that the Newcastle Traffic Service is fully AARTO compliant and ready for the rollout. “Traffic Officers underwent intensive training on the AARTO ACT and a final training session for amendments will be held between the 10th and 14th June 2024,” said the Municipal Communications Unit.
Discussing the system’s potential to enhance road safety in Newcastle, the Communications Unit explained, “The primary objectives of the AARTO system is to recognise good driver behaviour and punish traffic offenders. Non-compliance with road traffic rules will have severe and costly consequences including but not limited to the suspension and or cancellation of drivers’ licences, as well as the non-processing of transactions like vehicle licences and driver licence renewals, etc.”
Emphasising the impact on Newcastle motorists, the Municipality cautioned that poor driving behaviour will diminish one’s driving authority (licence).
“If there are no repetitions or cancellations, then the licence will be reinstated in phases. People will have to think very carefully before committing an offence. Not having driving authority could cost you a job or earning your livelihood,” highlighted the Communications Unit.
Moreover, the introduction of the AARTO system will also change the way traffic officers operate. The Communications Unit noted that traffic officers will focus more on offences and emergencies, rather than chasing unpaid fines and warrants of arrest. This shift is expected to significantly reduce the number of repeat offenders.
As road safety takes centre stage with the impending AARTO system rollout, and with Newcastle Municipality assuring the readiness of their traffic officers, what are your thoughts?
Share your views in the comment section below.
11 Responses
Now there will be an increase in bribery on both sides of the law, cops and drivers.
This is a great system…but…
It will require implementation and enforcement. It will require the Traffic Department to miraculously appear from their luxurious offices, and actually doing their job.
This, for the Traffic Department, especially in light of the recent accidents and sad losses of life, is quite crucial. There were two accidents yesterday, at two busy intersections, which could most likely have been avoided, if we had more visibility from the Traffic Department. And more visibility means DOING YOUR JOB, and not parading your expensive vehicles through town. And, no, I don’t expect a response from our marvellous Traffic Department, as they are probably in need of a Bat Signal in the sky first.
Well said.
Wonder if these Aarto rules will apply to Taxi drivers also. It’s always the law abiding citizens who are monitored and stopped but these law breaking taxi’s seem to have a different set of laws that apply only to them. We witness these drivers breaking the laws in front of traffic officials on a daily basis. Laws only work when they apply to all and sundry.
What happens if your company vehicle is not kept in good running condition and you get a fine for it?
Cameras at the busy intersections would make drivers less reckless.
This would also assist insurance and law enforcrment.
It’d decrease the drag racing rate but I suppose that’s not an issue for most.
Good move but I anticipate that there will be confrontation between law enforcers and drivers/owner if by 15July2024 is a done deal. Not all community members/organisation Is aware of this. I recommend that community members be informed as per their business structures.
The best laws will not change behavior! Speeding and not stopping is part of the law for ever and a day. But applying the law is a different story AARTO will not solve that.
It would be great. But tsxi driver clearly don’t fall under any traffic rules. They make
turning lane at Drakensberg robot from all sides. They stop at no robot green or red apparently don’t matter to them. Is rules and regulations only for certain people. Traffic officers are not to be seen when this people do as they please. Or they stand under the treas opposite majuba mall while people speed a cross not caring what happens. We rather stand there showing out expensive vehicles meaning the traffic officers. At drakensberg road robot at Amajuba High School he robot is not working no one stops its like. A go go go. One are way to scared to cross u don’t know who is going to hit u from either side.
Is this aarto idea brought up by the department of transport,or it’s also a duplication of the other Gupta’s? and if so I don’t think department of transport need an agency to get running thanks
In this corrupt country it will just add fuel to the fire. The incentive to extort huge bribes has just skyrocketed!