Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
15 May 2023 | 15:24 CAT

Photo credit: Freight News

The country is watching keenly for any announcement about implementing the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences – better known as AARTO. The future of AARTO is in the hands of the Constitutional Court, which reserved judgement. There are indications that this judgement could be handed down before the end of May.

The Road Freight Association has interacted with the Department of Transport and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency since the first publication of the draft AARTO Act and the resulting regulations as far back as 1997.

Radio Islam International discussed the AARTO Act with the Road Freight Association’s CEO, Gavin Kelly. He said action needs to be taken against the horrendous behaviour on the roads.

“People who are in charge of vehicles need to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles and importantly ensure the vehicles are driven correctly and do not endanger people on the road,” he says.

The Act is practised globally, holding people accountable and responsible for their actions. However, Kelly highlighted areas of concern for the Road Freight Association. According to Kelly, one of which is how the Act would be administered to ensure compliance costs do not become a severe burden on law-abiding citizens – whether fleet operators or individuals.

Meanwhile, the proposed AARTO Act is not addressing the scourge of road deaths and the high number of vehicle accidents. Kelly argues that we need a law-abiding country, which is a challenge that South Africa has.

Listen to the full interview with host Annisa Essack on Radio Islam’s podcast here.