MBOMBELA – The newly launched, advanced version of the Nyamsoro bus is expected to assist in lessening the number of outstanding traffic fines worth R80 million owed to City of Mbombela Municipality.
The Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system was launched by the executive mayor of the city Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi, the MEC for community safety and security Mr Petrus Ngomane and the speaker Cllr Mandla Msibi at the local fire department last Thursday.
This system reads a number plate and processes it to verify whether there are outstanding fines applicable to that particular vehicle. The bus also offers mobile-office capabilities which links with the municipality’s admin offices and enables warrants of arrests and summons to be issued on the spot. It is fitted with voice-logging cameras to militate against corrupt activities and to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
“We want to say to irresponsible motorists to beware because the might of the law is on your doorstep. This solution came as a result of outstanding traffic fines to the value of R80 million for the past five years. With this technology, we wish to address carnage and crime on the road,” said deputy municipal manager, Mr Pat Msibi.
Mathonsi said the launch of the bus is an important milestone for the municipality as collections would increase revenue for service delivery. Ngomane shared the same sentiments and added that the highly technologically equipped bus would also assist in collecting outstanding fines from motorists who are from other neighbouring countries. “As much as they contribute to road carnage due to disobedience on the road, they should also pay up and contribute to our revenue,” said Ngomane.
