AARTO Act to be challenged in ConCourt
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says plans are already in place for a court challenge against the newly signed Administrative Adjudication of the Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act.
The AARTO Act brings with it adjustments to existing road traffic laws and will introduce a Point Demerit system for reckless driving.
OUTA spokesperson, Rudie Heyneke, says the group will be opposing the act in the Constitutional Court of South Africa as they regard it as a violation of civil rights.
"I think the motorist or the so-called accused's rights are not handled in the way the Constitution is prescribing," says Heyneke.
He adds, "the accused will be considered guilty and will have to prove their innocence."
READ: Gauteng motorists first to get an AARTO taste
In addition, OUTA believes the AARTO Act is an attempt to ensure non-paying motorists do pay their outstanding etoll bills.
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Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, denied the claims yesterday that the AARTO Act will be used to force people to pay for using the etoll highways in Gauteng.
Mbalula maintains the etolls issue is a totally different one altogether and will be dealt with separately.
On the other hand, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has shown their support for the penalty system.
AA Spokesperson, Layton Beard, says they are in favour of the demerit system for drivers; however, they do question its practicality.
"There are many questions around the constitutionality and practicality of the bill," says Beard.