Challenge to AARTO demerit system
2010-03-24 17:08
Johannesburg - The new Administrative Adjudication of Road Offences (AARTO) system being piloted in Pretoria may result in job losses, the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) said on Wednesday.
Fedusa general secretary Dennis George said workers, especially in jobs that require a driver's licence, could lose their jobs as a result of the demerit system.
"The biggest challenge we face (as a country) is unemployment. Drivers, for instance, might face dismissal if they lose their driver's licences," said George.
AARTO is a points-based demerit system whereby a driver’s licence can be suspended when the driver runs out of points.
Points are deducted from a total of 12, depending on the offence.
The federation accused the government of not consulting relevant parties in formulating the system.
It had written a letter to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) to review the decision to implement the demerit system.
"We know there are problems on the road, we're looking for a more holistic approach. We don't make policy like this, the best thing is to discuss this in Nedlac," said George.
Spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation Tshino Mavhusha was yet to comment on the matter.
- SAPA