Penwell Dlamini

Penwell Dlamini

Johannesburg motorists will have much more to cheer about this festive season after the Johannesburg Metro Police Department announced that it will cut outstanding traffic fines by 50 percent from tomorrow.

The good news was passed on by the city's mayoral committee member on public safety and security, Thomas Phakathi, yesterday.

The 50 percent concession period starts tomorrow and ends on January 31 next year. It only applies to traffic fines committed before October 31 within the Johannesburg jurisdiction.

"But the discount will not apply to the additional charges of contempt of court or warrants of arrest," Phakathi said.

The motorist will pay half of the fine and R300 for a warrant of arrest.

A warrant of arrest is issued when a motorist fails to appear in court.

Currently there are 1,2 million warrants of arrest that have been issued for fines on Johannesburg roads.

"We understand the financial implications of this move but our aim is to fight impunity," JMPD director Gerrie Gerneke said.

Motorists can make payments at the post office, online through www.payfine.co.za and in courts.

"We have seen a significant decline in motorists driving beyond speed limits because of the cameras," Gerneke said.

To check your traffic fines:

lLog on to www.payfine.co.za;

l Visit the Metro Police fines offices; or

lUse the SMS service: SMS the word "register", space and then your ID number to 34010. Once it says "registered" then SMS "fine" to the same number.