September 2008

The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) wishes to advise the public that an email headed ‘Roadside Arrest on Outstanding Fines’, which is currently being circulated on an association letterhead, contains certain information that is factually incorrect.

SAVRALA is a trade association representing the majority of South Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management companies and according to current president Paul Pauwen, in the course of 2005 the misleading email was distributed to association members by SAVRALA’s car rental general manager at the time.

“Within minutes however, the inaccuracies were brought to his attention and the communication was immediately revoked. Unfortunately as it went out electronically it remains in the public domain and continues to resurface periodically,” explains Pauwen.

Pauwen says that in tandem with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), SAVRALA has recently published a brochure headlined ’Traffic Fine? Arrest for Contempt of Court?’

Traffic-related issues covered include:
• What to do in the event of a traffic fine or arrest for contempt of court
• How to re-direct or re-issue a fine
• Where and how to pay a traffic fine
• Registration and licensing issues
• www.payfine.co.za – view and pay your fines

The document provides contact numbers for JMPD car registration and licensing authorities, JMPD pay points, accident enquiries as well as for the fraud and corruption hotline.

“As it was initially developed with SAVRALA’s members top of mind, also included is a section that is particularly relevant to fleet owners and company proxies,” concludes Pauwen.

“Now available as a download from the association’s website www.savrala.co.za, the information it contains has gone a long way in setting the record straight and we believe that members of the public will find its clear and concise content extremely useful.”