The main purpose of the AARTO pilot since July 2008 in the municipality of Tshwane and February 2009 in Johannesburg was to, amongst others, test all the various systems, procedures and processes that are utilized in the daily operations, identify weaknesses and deficiencies with the view to develop and apply remedial measures.
These related to the weaknesses and loopholes in the legislative framework, the system requirements for efficient interface with various entities and uploading to the National Contraventions Register and the on-line, real-time updating of the National Contraventions Register (NCR), etc. With the NCR being developed as a module of the eNaTIS, it offered the benefits of the interaction of the different modules contained therein for verification, such as the particulars of motor vehicles, driving licenses, operator cards, owners and operators of motor vehicles. Over the past year extensive training on AARTO legislation and the various systems and procedures were undertaken by the Corporation in all the provinces and metropolitan authorities.
In January 2010 a National AARTO Task Team was established with the view of assisting the Corporation, amongst others, to ensure the smooth operations of the pilot; to effect remedial measures to the identified shortcomings; as well as the conducting of a formal assessment of the pilot; to determine the state of readiness of provincial, metropolitan and local issuing authorities, and providing authorities with assistance in this regard; and the finalisation of a national rollout plan. A comprehensive public media campaign and consultative programme is in the process of finalization and will be introduced in due course. Radio and printed advertisements are already utilized in the media.
Early in May 2010 meetings were held with the authorities of the eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town in order to discuss the various requirements for the introduction of the AARTO system in their jurisdictions and to determine their state of readiness for such implementation.
The AARTO is in the process of being rolled out in a staggered approach and is expected to be completed by 31 December 2010. The allocation of demerit points to infringers will be introduced on a national basis from 1 April 2011. In view of the FIFA 2010 World Cup consideration is being given to move the date for AARTO implementation in other issuing authorities for later dates.
“AARTO is a law that has been in existence since 1998, after 12 years we all have to be ready to implement it. The Minister is clear on this, it has to be implemented”, said Collins Letsoalo, Acting CEO of RTMC.
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For further information please contact Ms. Thandi Moya (RTMC) on 012 809 5317/071 680 3445