The Department of Transport is contemplating a complete revision of its traffic fine system, including the collection of fines and the severity of some offences.
As reported by BusinessTech, these proposed changes are “included in a revised white paper published by the department at the end of May”.
The department reportedly noted that while fines are an important part of the traffic system, a large percentage of South African drivers have lost “respect for the law” due to problems in recent years.
In order to address these problems and other issues with the system, the department is considering implementing the following changes:
- Decriminalisation: The decriminalisation of certain traffic offences to ensure that the process of adjudicating traffic offences will be brief, strict and decisive. The feasibility of decriminalising all traffic offences except reckless, negligent and inconsiderate driving will be investigated.
- Standardisation and dedicated traffic courts: The department plans to move towards the further standardisation of fines and other arrangements made by the judiciary, including the possible introduction of dedicated special traffic courts.
- Schools: The department is considering the introduction of compulsory attendance at traffic schools as a form of sanction.
- Change in how fines are collected: Fine-collection procedures relating to traffic offences, penalties for non-payment, confiscation of movable property and demerit systems will be improved and fully implemented, the department said. It also plans to explore the ‘desirability’ of separate national and provincial road-traffic management funds will be considered instead of fines accruing to individual authorities and general state or provincial revenue funds.
- Ramp up in enforcement: Fine-collection procedures relating to traffic offences, penalties for non-payment, confiscation of movable property and demerit systems will be improved and fully implemented, the department said.
The department also plans to implement a large-scale education programme to ensure all citizens are aware of the latest rules and changes.
“Resources will be made available for the enhancement of road-user knowledge, skills and attitudes, including education within a formal educational setting from an early age, non-formal education in non-educational organisations, and informal education where media such as radio, television, posters and pamphlets are used,” it announced.
It also added: “All categories of road users will systematically be exposed to a purposeful programme targeted at enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitudes, at promoting their voluntary compliance with the law, and at developing community ownership and participation in enhancing road-traffic quality.”
Also read:
Public urged to comment on City’s 5-year-plan to reduce traffic in Cape Town
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery