26 Sep 2013

The Director of Traffic Senior Assistant Commissioner Katlholo Mosimanegape has revealed that all violations of traffic laws and regulations attract on the spot fines, of which the vehicle must be impounded in default of payment.

However, Assistant Commissioner Mosimanegape said the decision to impose spot fines is made looking at the nature and gravity of the offence. He said traffic violations such as going through red traffic lights, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while disqualified and using a cell phone while driving are all serious offenses that attract spot fines and impounding of the vehicle in the event of failure to pay.

“These are all serious offences that many motorists take for granted but are dangerous to the lives of other people using the road,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Mosimanegape explained that spot fines were introduced as part of changes to the Traffic Act that gave the police more powers. However, he explained that in most cases the police will issue the offender with an admission of guilt form and give him 14 days to pay, failing which they will commit the case to court.

“Even with the 14 day deadline, offenders can still approach the police to arrange payment. Not every traffic offence will be taken to court because the judiciary is overwhelmed by other criminal cases. Therefore the spot fine is intended to give the police greater flexibility in dealing with these cases and free them from resource-intensive court processes,” he said. He added that government amended the Traffic Act to increase penalties for a range of driving offences to a level which reflects their seriousness.

He said the police have done their part by offering educational training to motorists and other road users. He said the amendment of the Act followed extensive consultations between road safety groups and the police. Assistant Commissioner Mosimanegape said most of the traffic offences are committed by young people who are mobile and enjoy drinking alcohol.

“You should not put the blame on the police because they did their part by educating all stakeholders. As the police we believe spot fines will make it easier for motorists as the offenders will not have to go through the tedious court process,” he said.

He said the police will be out in full force during the Independence Day holidays because this year’s celebrations seem to be full of joy and energy. Drivers generally agree that fines for careless driving offences should be paid on the spot in order to increase the level of enforcement. The drivers also agree that driving under the influence of alcohol is a common offense, as well as careless driving caused by lack of patience during traffic congestions.

The Road Traffic Act was amended in 2008 and implemented the following year to curb the increase in road traffic accidents.ENDS