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KwaZulu-Natal implemented Phase 2 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) on Tuesday morning.

This is a step towards introducing the country’s new demerit points system aimed at improving road safety.

Speaking at the launch at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Tuesday morning, KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the province will use the AARTO system to strengthen its road safety campaign and promote greater compliance with traffic laws.

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The launch of Phase 2 saw the first motorist in the province receive an electronically generated AARTO infringement notice, which was printed and served on the spot by Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers.

Speed camera fines will also be issued through the system.

Phase 2 includes a 32-day window. The motorist will have 32 days from receipt to take action.

It also includes a 50% discount. The motorist from Marrianhill Toll Plaza will be required to pay within these 32 days. This will reduce the penalty amount by half.

Alternative options offered to motorists under Phase 2 include the option to pay in installments. In this regard, the motorist will either submit a formal representation or elect to have the matter adjudicated by the Tribunal.

Under an independent review, the motorist will submit a representation explaining why he is not liable; an independent RTIA-appointed representations officer will evaluate the case.

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The RTIA will notify the motorist of the decision. If successful, the fine will be cancelled. If rejected, the motorist can elect to take the matter to court for trial within a prescribed timeframe.

If the infringement is ignored, a courtesy letter will be issued to the motorist if he fails to respond or pay within the initial 32 days, adding a fee penalty and demanding payment or action.

If still ignored after another 32 days, an enforcement order will be issued, blocking the motorist from obtaining vehicle licenses, driving licenses, or professional driving permits. No transaction can be done through the motorist’s Identification Number.

The province has trained 3638 law enforcement officials and 389 administrative staff to support the implementation of the new system.

The province will now embark on an extensive public awareness campaign to educate motorists about the new system, which will eventually affect more than 1.9 million registered vehicles and millions of road users across the province.

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Although motorists will continue to follow the standard infringement process, the demerit points system will only come into effect during Phase 4 of AARTO, with the implementation date to be announced by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.

Under the demerit system, traffic offences will attract penalty points that accumulate on a motorist’s driving record.

Drivers who exceed the maximum threshold of 15 demerit points face the suspension or cancellation of their driving licences.

Those who pay within this period qualify for a 50% reduction in the penalty amount, while fines exceeding R750 may be paid in instalments over a maximum of six months.

“Drivers may also challenge infringement notices through an independent representations process before escalating matters to the tribunal or courts,” said Duma.