The South African Local Government Association will continue opposing the rollout of the AARTO Phase 2 traffic-fine system after a court dismissed its challenge [1].
The dispute highlights a growing tension between national administrative goals and local municipal authority. If the new system proceeds without local agreement, it could alter how towns manage road safety and collect revenue.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the urgent interdict application on June 30, 2026 [1, 2]. The ruling prevents the immediate halting of the Phase 2 rollout [1, 3].
Sebang Motlhabi, the Chairperson of the Public Transport and Roads Working Group for SALGA, represents the association in this matter [1, 4]. SALGA said that the implementation of the system threatens local governance and compromises road safety efforts [3].
Despite the dismissal of the urgent bid, SALGA said it will keep fighting the rollout [1, 2]. The association intends to pursue further legal avenues to challenge the transition to the new fine system [2, 3].
The AARTO system aims to centralize traffic fine administration, but local governments express concern over the loss of control, and potential financial impacts [3, 4]. The legal battle now moves beyond the urgent application phase as the association seeks a more permanent injunction or a ruling on the system's legality [2, 3].
“SALGA will keep fighting the rollout of the AARTO Phase 2 traffic-fine system”
The clash between SALGA and the national government reflects a systemic struggle over jurisdictional power in South Africa. By challenging AARTO Phase 2, municipalities are attempting to protect their autonomy over road management and the revenue streams associated with traffic penalties, suggesting that the transition to a centralized national system will face prolonged legal and administrative friction.
