Some traffic offenders in Tshwane can now pay their fines at automated teller machines (ATMs).
Following the success of a First National Bank (FNB) pilot project launched in June last year in Potchefstroom in the North West, Tshwane recently became the first metropolitan area to benefit from the service.
”Many people default on traffic-fine payments for the simple reason that they cannot find the time to do it. For those people who do not work in the area, you can imagine how much more of a hassle it is,” Mike Arnold, chief executive of FNB’s self-service channel, said on Wednesday.
The service is currently only available to FNB customers.
However, Arnold said ”there are some rumours in the marketplace” concerning the involvement of other banks in the project. As with other transactions, the service is activated using a bank card and personal identification number.
”Traffic fines” will appear as an additional transaction option.
As part of the service, details such as the type of offence, registration number of the offending vehicle, offence date, due date and outstanding amount are included.
Arnold said this allows customers the opportunity to ensure that the fine is in order before paying. Normal bank charges will apply.
FNB is ”actively working to expand the service to other municipalities”, he said.
Each municipality in the country will have to be approached individually and an agreement reached to implement the service.
Arnold tentatively suggested that within 18 to 24 months the service could be expanded countrywide, but stressed that this depends on each municipality.
Mpho Mmutle, Tshwane Metro Police commissioner, said FNB is the only company that has a legal agreement in place with the council.
Arnold said feedback he has received suggests that people find it a convenient way to pay fines.
It will, however, take some time for people to become used to it, just like it took time for people to stop going into banks when ATMs were introduced, he said. — Sapa