DRIVERS owe the Msunduzi Municipality a staggering R70 million in unpaid traffic fines.
Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Nqobile Madonda said the number is steadily increasing.
When Echo asked Madonda what action the municipality is taking to recover that amount she said they rely on the payment of fines over the counter, adding that there is not enough manpower in the traffic department to deal with the demand.
“Like any other similar institutions, the demand exceeds the supply,” she said.
She said the municipality plans to collect R15 million from drivers before the end of the 2014/2015 financial year.
On whether the 50% amnesty will be implemented, she said this decision remains the prerogative of council.
The money collected for traffic fines is used to address service delivery needs, but the municipality is not solely dependent on this money to execute operations.
“The municipality is not dependent solely on traffic fines to function. Motorists are urged to continue paying their traffic fines. This may be done Monday to Friday during office hours.”
She urged drivers with outstanding traffic fines to pay at 21 Washington Road, at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on the corner of Otto and Church streets and on the first floor of the Pelham Tea Room
