'Visible policing still the answer' - Readers respond to new SA road laws

2018-05-03 07:00

Image: Arrive Alive

Janine Van der Post

Cape Town - The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Bill has moved a step closer to implementation in South Africa.

The bill was passed at the National Assembly in September 2017 and since the start of 2018, many provinces have held public hearings.

The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has addressed concerns regarding e-tolls and the proposed demerit system.

RTIA said: "The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has noted with concern the media reports that are linking the proposed amendments to the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act with e-tolls fees collection and the Points Demerit allocation under the AARTO Act.

"The AARTO process is designed to discourage contravention of traffic laws by levying penalties as well as point demerits on those who transgress the law. If infringers continue to transgress road traffic laws, they face the risk of their driving licenses being suspended. The demerit points system within the AARTO Act is the key to discourage drivers to transgress."



What do you think of the AARTO Amendment Bill? Will the demerit system curb SA's horrendous road death toll? Email us



We asked Wheels24 readers: What do you think should be done to curb road deaths?

More visible policing - 3375 votes(17%)
Increased road blocks - 1105 votes (6%)
Clampdown on reckless driving - 5011 votes (25%)
Enforce existing laws - 10288 votes (52%)

Readers respond