The City’s Traffic Service reported a 36.2% year-on-year increase in motorist arrests due to unpaid fines and contempt of court orders.
According to the most recent figures, from July 2022 to June 2023, 40 321 motorists were arrested out of nearly 100 000 warrants executed, an increase from 29 592 arrests the previous year.
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The City emphasised that motorists have ample opportunity to address traffic infringement notices. The initial step allows for a direct fine settlement upon receipt of the notice. Alternatively, motorists can present their case in court on the date specified in the notice.
Ignoring these notices leads to a summons, followed by a warrant of arrest for contempt of court if non-compliance persists. Despite a slight decrease in total warrants executed (95 710 in the last year), the spike in arrests underscores a more rigorous enforcement approach.
https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Driving-and-vehicles/Fines/Pay-your-traffic-fine
Alderman JP Smith, the mayoral committee member for safety and security, acknowledged the efforts of law-abiding motorists who pay their fines promptly. However, he emphasised the ongoing difficulty that habitual offenders pose:
‘There are many motorists who take responsibility for their actions and pay their fines on time, and we thank them. Then there are those for whom fine payment is perhaps more of a challenge, whether it be the process of paying or perhaps financial reasons. But we also need to accept that there are some motorists who simply do not want to pay.’
Alderman Smith highlighted the evolving tactics in warrant execution, moving from traditional tracking and tracing operations to the use of handheld EPIC devices and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This technology allows officers to instantly check for outstanding warrants during routine stops or via licence plate scans.
With the holiday season approaching, an increase in roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints is expected. Alderman Smith urges motorists to proactively settle fines and address outstanding warrants, avoiding the risk of arrest.
Motorists can check their fine status or warrants on www.paythat.co.za or explore various payment channels, details of which are available here.
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