The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) in partnership with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) showcased AARTO Service Outlets at Randburg Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) on Tuesday, 20 October 2020. The event is part of the RTIA October Transport Month (OTM) programme.
Section 4 (5)(a) of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) requires the RTIA to perform its functions of disseminating information regarding the role and functions of the Agency, and the rights enjoyed by individuals in terms of the AARTO Act.
The AARTO Service Outlets placements form part of the Agency’s preparations for the imminent AARTO National Rollout.
The aim of the AARTO Service Outlets is to conduct a structured AARTO public education and community awareness programme. Road users will be informed about the benefits of the AARTO process which will be implemented throughout South Africa on 01 July 2021.
In the end, a partnership between the RTIA and JMPD seeks to create an informed and compliant road user community for safer use of our roads
According to RTIA CEO, Mr Japh Chuwe, “The AARTO Service Outlet's initiative will contribute towards the creation branch outlets for instant, sustainable and visible provision of the RTIA service offerings throughout the country”.
Mr Chuwe adds that the ultimate intention of AARTO implementation is to create a new positive attitude that promotes safety on our roads. There should be lesser fatalities that occur which are a result of infringements or offences caused by the motorists.
In support of the partnership with the RTIA, the JMPD Spokesperson, Mr Wayne Minnaar says, “As the JMPD we are already implementing AARTO, and a number of success areas have been recorded. Ever since AARTO came into existence, there have been notable improvements in terms of compliance with traffic laws in the Johannesburg metropolitan area.”
“The JMPD regards the dissemination of information to motorists as being critical and it helps to have informed road users in order to have safer communities. The rollout of the AARTO Service Outlets will definitely serve as convenient access points for information on road safety in general, and how road users can exercise the AARTO elective options in particular, ” concluded Mr Minnaar.
The RTIA calls upon motorists to take advantage of the AARTO Service Outlets in their areas. In order to provide quality service to the motorists, the RTIA has deployed well-trained operators who understand how to render total solutions to all the AARTO related inquiries. No cash payments are taken at the AARTO Service Outlets. However, all the information on where payments can be made is available at the service points.
Prior to kick-starting the intended AARTO National Rollout, the Agency is expected not only to prepare the public for such country-wide implementation through various awareness programmes but also to have its operational structures and related systems in place to sustain such service delivery. In this regard, the Agency has the responsibility to ensure that
the implementation of the AARTO system positively impacts the lives of the road user community.
The services that are rendered at AARTO Service Outlets are:
• Attending to motorists queries on infringement notices,
• Administering AARTO elective options.
• Education and public awareness of the benefits of the AARTO Act.
The RTIA has successfully established 12 AARTO Service Outlets in the following DLTCs:
AARTO SERVICE OUTLET
PLACE
STAKEHOLDER
1. Randburg DLTC
Randburg
JMPD
2. Marlboro/ Sandton DLTC
Sandton
JMPD
3. Protea Glen Magistrate Court
Soweto
JMPD
4. Kempton Park Civic Centre
Kempton Park
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department
5. Boksburg DLTC
Boksburg
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department
6. Akasia DLTC
Akasia
Tshwane Municipality Police Department
7. Ipeleng DLTC
Mabopane
Gauteng Department of Community Safety
8. Koedoespoort Traffic Office
Koedoespoort
Gauteng Department of Community Safety
9. Temba Municipal Offices
Temba
Tshwane Municipality Police Department
10. Centurion DLTC
Centurion
Tshwane Municipality Police Department
11. SA Taxi
Midrand
SA Taxi
12. Johannesburg Magistrate Court
Johannesburg CBD
Gauteng Department of Community Safety
Under the AARTO Act, motorists have various elective options to exercise, which include the following.
· Pay the infringement within 32 days and receive 50% discount;
· Make a representation to dispute a traffic infringement;
· Nominate a new driver;
· Arrange to pay for infringements in instalments; or
· Elect to be tried in court.
Journalists requesting for telephonic interviews are requested to arrange with Emmanuel Tshehla on 065 586 0877 or email Emmanuel.Tshehla@rtia.co.za
Enquiries: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Wayne Minnaar Cell: 082 559 3882
Enquiries: RTIA Mr. Monde Mkalipi, 082 575 3976 /083 305 5212 or email monde.mkalipi@rtia.co.za/ rtiamedia@rtia.co.za