Aarto will have punishing impact

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, better known as Aarto, will have a major impact on the transport of dangerous goods, and transporters should be taking time to familiarise themselves with the law. While the government has yet to set a date for the countrywide roll-out, there are big implications in terms of the points demerit system, says consultant Eddie Crane. “When it comes to vehicle signage, for example, wrong signage on a single vehicle could see a driver lose all 12 points. Dangerous goods vehicles have to be marked with very specific signage. A standard vehicle has to have signs on both sides and at the back. Incorrect signage or failure to have signage carries not only a fine, but also the loss of four points. If all three signs are wrong, the driver of the vehicle loses all of his 12 points.