The City’s Traffic Service has a list of recommended payment options which the public is advised to use, following complaints about external service providers.
The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service cautions motorists to stick to official channels when making fine payments.
Recently, there have been some complaints directed to the Traffic Service, from motorists who have lost money to third party service providers.
The City is aware of service providers who offer to settle fines, renew licence discs and other traffic-related administration for a fee.
However, it must be noted that these are not endorsed by the City’s Traffic Service and that motorists who make use of them do so at their own risk.
Among the complaints are that motorists pay the fine amounts to the service provider, but the fine payments are not reflected on the national Natis system. It would appear as if motorists are also lured into believing that the service provider is able to negotiate a reduced fine amount on their behalf.
This is not the case. The person to whom the fine is addressed has to make representations to the Traffic Service or at the municipal court.
‘With fine payment rates that are not ideal, we can ill afford to have those who want to do the right thing lose money in this manner. The complaints are concerning and are tantamount to fraud, so we encourage anyone who has experienced this to lay a criminal charge. We also appeal to the public to use the recognised traffic fine payment channels instead. We live in an age where online transactions have become commonplace, and while I understand that it might be tempting to go with a service that promises a hassle-free experience, please make sure that the service provider is above board,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The public is reminded that the City’s traffic fine payment channels are as follows:
Contact your bank for assistance to pay via your online banking channels or register and pay fines at www.paycity.co.za
At ATMs. Contact your bank directly for assistance, or visit the bank’s website for more information.
In person at any City cash office, Driving Licence Testing Centre, Municipal court or selected Spar (Kwikpay) stores.
Source: City Of Cape Town
