Preparing for the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences
Recently, concerns were voiced that the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) was not to improve road safety. Despite protests by many – in most instances – well-meaning organisations it appears that AARTO will be implemented on 1 July 2021.
The Road Safety Partnership (RSP) endorses the intent of AARTO, which is to improve driving behaviour and thus positively impact on road safety. “While certain bodies continue to address areas of concerns, drivers should prepare for the implementation of AARTO nevertheless. Once concerns are resolved, AARTO has potential to positively impact road safety and the incidents of crashes on the roads.
“Yet, considerable preparation is needed from all drivers, whether in their personal capacity or as a driver for a company. The RSP urges drivers to start preparation as soon as possible. This includes familiarising themselves with the act, identifying the behaviours that are repeatedly penalised or which they know they are guilty of and determining what their company’s planned AARTO policy will be.”
While many may feel some reluctance to accept the implementation of AARTO, it is unlikely it will not happen. “If motorists are prepared for the act, their concerns should be unfounded. If they take action now and change their own bad driving behaviours, AARTO can only have a limited impact on one, if any impact at all.
“It is habitual non-compliance that will allow AARTO to affect drivers. Critically address any non-compliance, even before the act comes into effect, and it will substantially limit the potential effect that AARTO can have.”
The RSP urges all drivers to prepare for AARTO. “Whether the act is implemented as is or addresses recent concerns, if all drivers were to prepare for AARTO, it would have a considerable impact on not only each person but the general state of road safety in South Africa as well,” says the RSP.
