Motorists have traffic fines reduced

Motorists from across Cape Town with traffic infringements have converged at Lentegeur civic centre to have their fines reduced, warrants cleared and have administration marks removed on the Natis system.

As part of the City of Cape Town's six-day traffic fine roadshow, which started on Friday May 16, officials have been prepared to help up to 350 people daily until tomorrow, Thursday May 22.

Motorist Cedric Laguma, from Kraaifontein, who had to be in Mitchell's Plain traffic court yesterday, Tuesday May 20, said he had the court visit sorted, eight fines reduced and a warrant of arrest sorted at the one-stop shop.

Mr Laguma paid less than half of his more than R3 000 worth of fines. 

He said the queue was long but it moved. 

"I can now drive without worries," he said. 

Mr Laguma's traffic infringements were all speeding-related. 

He said the roadshow was helpful in that he did not have to drive around to “clear his name”. 

“The process was efficient, the staff friendly, the prosecutor fantastic and they all just made the process so simple. It just took the fear out of the process, especially with me having a warrant,” he said. 

Avron Plaatjies, councillor for Ward 76 and who also sits on the City’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, said it was one of the best initiatives the municipality could do for motorists in their local community. 

“Several residents have texted me to thank me for this road show.

“One resident’s fine was reduced from R7 000 to R2 500. Another thanked me for sharing the information and that he too had his fines reduced. 

“It is such a joy to see the relief and financial burden taken off people’s shoulders, including their warrants,” he said. 

Traffic services and municipal court officials have been addressing traffic fine enquiries; applications to have fines reduced; payment of traffic fines; traffic warrant enquiries; warrant payments and finalisation; removal of warrant administration marks upon payment and or finalisation of outstanding warrants.

There will be no services for redirections and No Admission of Guilt (NAG) fines will be available. NAG fines do not include fine amounts. These can only be dealt with in court by a magistrate.

The roadshow operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Mr Plaatjies said they would have more officers and staff available at the service points to minimise bottlenecks.

Daily, the first 350 people in the queue would be assisted. 

Those still in the queue after this point will receive a ticket to return the following day and will be allowed to move to the front of the queue upon presentation of their ticket. 

These clients should join the roadshow before 9.30am to qualify for this benefit.

Applicants should take their South African identity document (RSA ID), driving license, South African Passport and or Traffic Register Certificate.

Should you not be able to attend the roadshow in person, you can send someone on your behalf, provided that the representative can produce their ID, a copy of the ID of the person who sent them, as well as an affidavit permitting them to act on the other person’s behalf.