‘Aarto will NOT be implemented this year’

Aarto (Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) will not be implemented in 2010. This is despite various emails currently doing the rounds claiming the new demerit and fine system for traffic offenders will be implemented as soon as October 1. According to Gavin Kelly, spokesman for the Road Freight Association, Aarto – which is being piloted in Johannesburg and Tshwane – was due to be implemented on November 1 this year, but the Department of Transport has confirmed to the organisation that this will not materialise. “We have officially been informed that the expected date of implementation for Aarto is April 1 next year. At present the system is being piloted in Johannesburg and Tshwane, but no points are being taken from offending drivers. The points printed on the fines are just there as an indication of what will happen when the system is fully operational.” Kelly said access to the ENatis contravention module was necessary before Aarto could become operational. “This will allow authorities to access the point system and know the status of drivers, operators and vehicles.”