Legal challenge of Aarto Bill likely

Justice Project SA chairperson Howard Dembovsky has vowed to challenge the controversial Aarto Amendment Bill, which introduces a demerit system for road traffic offenders, in court once it has been signed into law. ‘Something is terribly wrong here. This not only violates the constitution but the principles of the justice system,’ Dembovsky is quoted as saying in The Times. The Bill was passed in Parliament last week, with only the endorsement of the National Council of Provinces and President Jacob Zuma's signature required for it to become law. ‘The NCOP will open another consultative process for all stakeholders to (canvass) their opinions and make contributions to the Aarto Amendment Bill,’ said Road Traffic Infringement Agency spokesperson Monde Mkalipi.