In a significant judgment, the Constitutional Court has deemed the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) to be valid.
This ruling overturns the previous decision by the Gauteng High Court, which declared the act as unconstitutional.
Former Minister Fikile Mbalula’s appeal has been successful, ensuring the preservation of AARTO in its entirety.
MINISTER FIKILE MBALULA ON THE AARTO NATIONAL ROLLOUT
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo commented on the ruling, stating that AARTO and the way notices would be served to alleged offenders were not inconsistent with the constitution.
He explained that Parliament had the competence to pass the AARTO Act, and therefore, there was no need to consider the applications made by the City of Cape Town.
Zondo added that the court had also rejected Outa’s contention that AARTO removed certain powers from municipalities and gave them to other state organs.
This ruling upholds the establishment of a single national road traffic regulation system, which aims to hold motorists accountable for their traffic violations. AARTO is designed to enforce traffic laws and regulations effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users.
The act provides a structured and standardized approach to dealing with road traffic offences, promoting fairness and consistency in the adjudication process. With the preservation of AARTO, the government can continue its efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of traffic violations.
The ruling by the Constitutional Court has far-reaching implications for both motorists and law enforcement agencies.
It establishes the legal framework for enforcing traffic laws and provides clarity on the constitutionality of AARTO. This decision ensures that the act can be effectively implemented, allowing authorities to hold motorists accountable for their actions on the road.
CENTRAL NEWS
————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0814955487