Clampdown on traffic fines, arrest warrants

THE Eastern Cape Department of Transport yesterday warned that a “zero-tolerance” clampdown campaign aimed at targeting motorists with outstanding fines and warrants of arrest was under way.

Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana said the campaign was part of a pilot project that would initially be launched in Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha and Queenstown.

“We have identified four big stations as part of the pilot project to launch a new approach on the execution of warrants. These stations have warrant teams dedicated to execute warrants and attend to court administration duties,” she said.

Tikana added that two “specialised vehicles” had been allocated to each of the four areas. “Eight specialised vehicles were procured as part of the 110 new vehicles earlier this year and each of these stations were allocated two vehicles.”

This announcement comes after a massive joint operation by police, army, customs, the SA Revenue Services, Home Affairs and traffic and fire depart- ments in Durban Road, Korsten, on Thursday.

The operation, dubbed Operation Fiela-Reclaim, saw traffic officials impound 18 vehicles, while police recovered two vehicles that were believed to be stolen. A total of 76 suspected illegal immigrants were also arrested.

Tikana said during the six-hour operation more than R21 400 was collected in outstanding warrants and fines for the day. The clampdown campaign started last month and saw more than R200 000 in funds attained for the month of April.

Department of Transport spokesman Ncedo Kumbaca said the overall aim was to increase compliance on the provinces roads and to up the revenue intake.

“Their main goal is to address outstanding warrants of arrest that have been issued against those who have failed to pay their outstanding fines,” he said. “These officials have systems whereby licences can be scanned and checked to determine any outstanding money owed and warrants of the motorists involved.

“The campaign will lead to an increase in stop and search operations, which in turn will generate revenue and increase road safety across the province.”