A new demerit system will be used to deter errant motorists’ behaviour on our roads which has caused a stir for motorists.
A new demerit system will be used to deter errant motorists’ behaviour on our roads which has caused a stir for motorists.
“The demerit system has been successfully implemented in many countries across the world where it has been an excellent deterrent to errant motorist behaviour on the roads,” said Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) head of public affairs, Gary Ronald.
However, glitches are bound to happen.
The government has announced that the demerit system is in place but according to the AA, this is not the case. The Administrative Adjudication Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, or demerit system, is being piloted in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
The system is running but only in terms of the new fine schedule, with points not yet being allocated to motorists. The new AARTO demerit system will only be implemented nationwide in November 2010.
Each driver will start with 12 points on a three year cycle and offenders will be able to earn back lost points with one point being gained for every three months that no offence is committed.
Structure of fines
AARTO, managed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the RTMCs infringement agency, will be dealing with all fines and demerit points.
“Motorists need to be keenly aware that there is a danger in not having an independent body dealing with infringements which may lend to a level of coercion urging offenders to pay fines on the spot rather than contest fines in court,” said Ronald.
Recent spam mail sent out said there is no grace for speeding. However, prosecuting guidelines say there is still a technical requirement to give motorists a 10% grace as there needs to be a leeway for certain cars that may not have speedometers that are accurate.
“Motorists need to be aware that the new fine structure is stringent and fines are very high, especially for speeding,” said Ronald.
More serious offences such as drunk driving will see offenders being sent directly to jail and the process will then fall into judicial hands.
“There will be compulsory sentencing in terms of serious offences such as drunk driving which will result in suspension or loss of a driving license,” said Ronald.
