For the last 18 years, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, 1998 (AARTO) points demerit system has been delayed due to various reasons, including a pending feasibility study and assessment of technological requirements.

In April 2016, Chief Operating Officer of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) Thabo Tsholetane announced at its provincial road show in Polokwane that the final readiness assessment commissioned by the RTIA had been completed. It is important to note that the points demerit system is not active yet – as stated on AARTO’s website.

The AARTO legislation caters for a new procedure in the charging of fleet operators, where operators are charged when drivers are caught committing an infringement. Any infringement for overloading, transporting of dangerous goods, unroadworthiness of a vehicle or infringements where the driver is not legally licensed or does not have a valid professional driving permit will result in an infringement against the operator. When a driver has reached a certain number of points, he will be suspended from driving a company vehicle. A driver’s operating license can furthermore be permanently revoked should he be suspended for a third time.

At the third annual TruckX conference and exhibition, Alta Swanepoel – one of the country’s foremost experts on transport legislation – will be giving an update on the progress of AARTO and the legislative matters surrounding it. She will specifically focus on the implications that the system may have on fleet operators.

According to Hein Jordt, MD of Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions, TruckX is playing an increasingly valuable role in providing insight to fleet owners and operators in tackling the issues that they face today. “During this year’s event, we will address prominent challenges, such as the volatility in fuel prices, driver safety and driver fatigue, and increasing driver productivity. Although these challenges are daunting, we believe the solutions we offer will give fleet owners the resources to add significant value to their day-to-day operations.”

“The practical impact of the AARTO legislation is that overall safety will improve, as there will be less traffic violators on South African roads. We believe in the future of the transport sector and will continue to offer support with strategic partners that promote safety and operational efficiencies in the industry,” comments Toni Fritz, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance: Business at Standard Bank.

The convention takes place on 2 August 2016 at the Sandton Convention Centre.