The Western Cape town of Swellendam has raised concerns about the potential impact of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act on its traffic services.
The town's authorities have warned that the required sharing of traffic fine revenue as per the Aarto system could make some traffic authorities unaffordable and lead to their closure.
The report presented to the council emphasized that the loss of revenue could not only result in the shutdown of traffic services but also lead to a reduction in other positions and functions that depend on the surpluses generated by the Traffic Services Department.
The Aarto Amendment Act's national implementation date remains unknown, but it is anticipated to be enforced in the first half of 2024.
The potential implications of this implementation have been outlined in the report, which was disclosed at a recent council meeting.
The report was prepared with contributions from various municipal authorities, including the municipal manager and directors of corporate services, community services, financial services, and infrastructure services.
