By Nthambeleni Gabara
It is now official! Limpopo is also in the process of ending the era of lawlessness on its roads by rolling out the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO).
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the AARTO Amendment Act into law two years ago.
Transport and Community Safety MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said all roads in the province would no longer be the playing grounds for speeding motorists, dangerous overtaking, and other hazardous driving behaviour such as failing to stop at traffic lights and stop signs, writes Nthambeleni Gabara.
Contrary to popular belief that the demerit system is a money-making machines… the reality is that AARTO is aimed at saving lives through reducing fatal accidents.
MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said AARTO is also aimed at cracking down on habitual offenders by imposing penalty points on their respective licences in addition to a fine.
“We are a caring government; there is no way that we can turn our motorists into our cash cows. Our message is clear, all drivers including those from neighbouring countries, we are saying…before you embark on those road trips to our province, always remember to use the roads with care and observe the rules of the road,” she said.
Under AARTO, all motorists are allocated certain 15 points. However, these points can easily be lost due to failure to obey traffic rules.
Upon exceeding the threshold mark, one’s driving licenses is suspended for a period of three months for every point that the threshold has been exceeded.
The reduction is one point for every three months that a motorist remains violation-free.
According to MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya, the demerit system will be a solution to one of the most annoying and dangerous misconduct mostly by young motorists…taking a selfie while driving.
Reckless drivers who do not obey traffic rules can also lose their driving licenses depending on the severity of the offence. However, it is only good behaviour on the roads that can help drivers to gain back lost points.
She indicated that they are already rolling out phase two (2) of the AARTO system.
“We’ve already identified Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Mokopane & Zebedieala Traffic Control Centres, Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Makhado Local Municipality, Greater Giyani Local Municipality and Elias Motswaledi Local Municipality ready to implement the AARTO system,” she said.
The MEC said motorists should know that traffic officers in all those municipalities are on high alert, to show no mercy and adopt zero tolerance to traffic law violations and those driving in possession of false documents.
The MEC further said there would also be no mercy for public transport operators and motorists that overload and drive unroadworthy vehicles.
Acting Administrative Head, Jane Mulaudzi, said 309 operational officers have been trained, adding that eight issuing authorities were proclaimed on October 1, 2021.
The provincial rollout phased approach of AARTO started earlier this year in July 1 to September 3, 2021 comprising of AARTO service at Polokwane Municipality, which started operating virtually from July 1, 2021.
Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, said that the impact of the demerit system embedded in the AARTO process is such that there will be an allocation of demerit points for specific transgressions committed by drivers.
He further described it as an objective and fair system of identifying reckless drivers and lawbreakers with the view of removing them from the driving fold.
“Common penalties are being introduced for all traffic violations throughout the country and will carry the same penal values.
“We will also introduce the Driver Rehabilitation programmes for habitual infringers where infringers who have their licences cancelled can attend rehabilitation programmes before being allowed back in the driving fold,” he said, adding that this is a clear indication that AARTO is not just about punishment, but has intentions to ensure compliance and change of road user behaviour.
“Considering the significant impact that the points demerit system will have on the public, it is critical that intensive public awareness and education campaigns are intensified to ensure that every road user understand the implications of the suspension and cancellation of licenses due to non-compliant behaviour with road traffic laws.
“If you are compliant with all road traffic laws, you have nothing to worry about,” he concluded.
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Nthambeleni Gabara is a communications specialist in the public sector, he’s available on nthambeleni.gabara@gmail.com