In Gauteng this week, whispers of a “traffic fine quota” have exploded into a full-blown debate.
The timing couldn’t be more sensitive — the nationwide AARTO points-based demerit system is set to roll out on 1 December 2025.
While the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) insists there’s no such quota, the allegations are proving hard to shake.
Where the Claims Started
It all began with Michael Sun from the Democratic Alliance (DA), who accused the JMPD of pressuring its officers to hit daily ticket targets.
According to Sun, some roadside checks — which look a lot like roadblocks — are being used more to collect money than to keep roads safe.
The Alleged R7,000 Target
The biggest claim making headlines? That JMPD officers are expected to rack up around R7,000 in fines every day.
With an average traffic fine of about R1,000, that works out to roughly one ticket an hour on a normal shift.
Sun also alleges that meeting this target can lead to extra overtime pay, creating even more incentive to issue fines.
RTIA Pushes Back
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) isn’t impressed.
It says traffic officers should be focusing on enforcing laws, managing traffic flow, and preventing crime — not chasing revenue.
If true, RTIA argues, these quotas could undermine public trust in traffic policing altogether.
More Roadblocks, More Questions
Sun believes this alleged quota is why drivers have been noticing more roadblocks around the city lately.
Many are set up at busy intersections and rebranded as “roadside checks,” which avoids certain South African Police Service (SAPS) legal requirements.
This has only fueled speculation that the focus is on money, not safety.
The DA’s Call for Action
In response, the DA has called on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to step in.
They want any revenue-based quotas scrapped completely so that public safety comes first. The JMPD, however, flatly denies that such quotas exist.
JMPD’s Firm Denial
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla insists that fines are only issued when an actual offence is observed.
He also stressed that officers are evaluated on their overall contribution to community safety — not on how much money they bring in.
“The integrity of our operations is paramount, and all actions are carried out in strict accordance with the law,” Fihla said.
Public Opinion Still Divided
Despite the official denials, public opinion remains split.
Some drivers believe the surge in roadside stops is proof that a quota exists, while others see it as a crackdown on bad driving habits.
One thing is clear — with AARTO’s demerit system just months away, tensions between road users and traffic officials are unlikely to disappear any time soon.
