Failure by motorists to settle their outstanding traffic fines may lead to motorists being arrested.
“Traffic officers will be deployed across the province to make sure that all those who have outstanding fines are held responsible,” said Mr Vusi Shongwe, Mpumalanga Community, Safety, Security and Liaison MEC.
Shongwe was speaking in Nelspruit on October 10 during the launch of four automatic number plate recognition vehicles that will be visible in all corners of the province. The MEC said the four vehicles will be used to detect those who do not pay their traffic fines. He has urged all motorists who have outstanding traffic fines to settle them within three months.
The vehicles, known as Nyamsoro, have the ability to detect culprits by merely reading number plates. Nyamsoro is a Tsonga word for traditional healer who is able to tell people their problems before they even say them.
The vehicles are also equipped with devices that are able to pick up if the drivers of the vehicles have any outstanding warrant of arrests or traffic fines. Additionally they are able to pick up drivers who may have outstanding traffic fines by scanning their drivers’ licenses or identity numbers. What’s more, each vehicle is able to generate and print warrants of arrests for motorists who have outstanding traffic matters.
Motorists will also be able to pay on the spot through electronic payment system that is fitted in the vehicles. The vehicles will be posted in three regions with a specific focus on problematic roads.
The launch was part of the department’s Transport Month activities.
“The purpose of the initiative is not only to deal with outstanding traffic fines, but to assist with reducing negligent driving which often leads to injuries and unnecessary loss of lives on the road,” added Shongwe.
The vehicles will complement law enforcement activities in the province. Furthermore, the MEC has urged traffic officers to also target government institutions.
“Government officials and politicians should lead by example,” ended Shongwe.
