South African Local Government Association Welcomes AARTO Delay

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has welcomed the decision by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa to postpone the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) to 1 July 2026. SALGA says the postponement gives government, municipalities and stakeholders the time needed to address outstanding concerns and ensure a smooth national rollout.

What Happened

The Department of Transport announced a revised implementation date for AARTO, following engagements with SALGA and other stakeholders. Municipalities previously raised concerns about funding arrangements, training needs, readiness of enforcement systems and the operational impact of AARTO at local level.

SALGA said the extension creates room to resolve these issues and ensure municipalities can implement AARTO effectively and sustainably.

Official Response

SALGA praised Minister Creecy for acknowledging the challenges municipalities face in preparing for AARTO.

“We appreciate the Minister’s openness and her willingness to respond to the concerns of municipalities. Meaningful consultation is essential for effective and transparent decision-making,” the organisation said.

The association emphasised that local government must play a central role in AARTO implementation because municipalities handle traffic enforcement, licensing and community safety responsibilities.

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SALGA also highlighted:

• the need for adequate training,
• sustainable funding models,
• harmonised legal frameworks, and
• strengthened collaboration between stakeholders.

“As a critical partner in intergovernmental relations, we remain committed to reducing road accidents and protecting lives,” SALGA added.

Community Impact

The postponement is expected to give municipalities more time to prepare systems and staff for the new traffic enforcement model. Residents may benefit from improved implementation, clearer communication and stronger administrative processes once AARTO goes live in 2026.