While new rules relating to the renewing of vehicle licence discs require that proof of residence be furnished‚ they cannot be used to withhold a licence disc for outstanding e-toll fees‚ the Automobile Association (AA) says.
It pointed out in a statement that no legislation had been gazetted yet that would enable the withholding of licence discs for outstanding e-toll fees. The association said it was necessary to separate speculation from the facts.
Regulation 32A of the National Road Traffic Regulations which came into effect on Sunday‚ it said‚ required that all persons provide proof of residence to acquire a licence disc.
“The Department of Transport says the purpose of this regulation‚ which provides for the verification of address particulars on the eNaTIS system‚ is to ensure all people registered on the system ‘promptly and timeously receive their vehicle and driving licence renewal notices and any other road traffic related communique’.
“The regulation applies to all drivers of motor vehicles and all persons registered on the eNaTIS or those who wish to make use of the eNaTIS services be it because they are holders of a valid South African driving licence or they are motor vehicle owners.”
It added that the regulation stated that anyone who did not comply with this notice would not receive their vehicle and driving licence renewal notices and any other road traffic related communication from eNaTIS.
“The AA would like to point out that while the implementation of these regulations is happening now‚ they were gazetted‚ and a decision on their implementation was made‚ in November 2014. “We would further like to point out that while there is a requirement for proof of residence‚ the new regulation cannot be used to withhold a license disc for outstanding e-toll fees.
“Regulations 25(7) and 59(2) of the National Road Traffic Act do not make provision for the withholding of licence discs for outstanding e-toll fees. Legislation that enables this action has not yet been gazetted‚” the association pointed out.
It urged licensing authorities to ensure they were properly geared to process all the people who applied for licence discs as quickly as possible and to avoid long delays which many had predicted may result from the implementation of the new regulations.
-Rdm News Wire
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