A list of Sanral e-toll articles for reference purposes. All articles come from Government's news service.
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E-toll articles
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Gauteng toll tariff system revealed [5 February 2011]
05-2-2011
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has finally revealed the much-awaited toll tariffs for the Gauteng freeway network with motorists expected to pay between R4, R60 and R45 and R54 for 11.5 km depending on the size of their vehicle.
But there will be discounts for off-peak travel including weekends, e-tag users, frequent users and qualifying public transport operators.
Briefing reporters on Friday, SANRAL CEO, Nazir Alli said the discounts will ensure that frequent users of the freeway do not suffer major financial losses as a results of using the provinces roads.
"What we are saying is that as a frequent user of the road... if you get yourself an e-tag you stand to qualify for various discounts that are on offer," Alli said.
E-tag discounts of up to 25 percent will be available for all vehicle classes and period discounts, also known as time of day discounts, will also be applicable.
Public Transport Operator Discount of up to 50 percent will be applied to all vehicle classes, only for registered e-toll tag account holders, for trips undertaken by a public transport vehicle.
Tolls will be collected per gantry and each time a vehicle passes underneath a gantry, a toll will be charged. The cost per gantry is determined by the kilometer distance which the toll point represents.
Alli said all road users will be expected to set up an e-toll account followed by the purchase of the e-tags which will be available at all major retail stores such as Pick n Pay and Checkers. "It's as easy as buying your cellphone airtime".
The gantries are fitted with toll collection equipment that will recognise the e-tag which is linked to the vehicle number plate. Tolls will be deducted from a user's registered e-toll account associated with the vehicle and the user may not change the e-tag from one vehicle to another.
Registration for the e-tolling system commences in April and road users will be able to register an e-toll account at the e-toll customer service website, www.sanral.co.za, at e-toll customer service kiosks located at shopping malls or at e-toll customer service centres situated along the freeway network.
05-2-2011
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has finally revealed the much-awaited toll tariffs for the Gauteng freeway network with motorists expected to pay between R4, R60 and R45 and R54 for 11.5 km depending on the size of their vehicle.
But there will be discounts for off-peak travel including weekends, e-tag users, frequent users and qualifying public transport operators.
Briefing reporters on Friday, SANRAL CEO, Nazir Alli said the discounts will ensure that frequent users of the freeway do not suffer major financial losses as a results of using the provinces roads.
"What we are saying is that as a frequent user of the road... if you get yourself an e-tag you stand to qualify for various discounts that are on offer," Alli said.
E-tag discounts of up to 25 percent will be available for all vehicle classes and period discounts, also known as time of day discounts, will also be applicable.
Public Transport Operator Discount of up to 50 percent will be applied to all vehicle classes, only for registered e-toll tag account holders, for trips undertaken by a public transport vehicle.
Tolls will be collected per gantry and each time a vehicle passes underneath a gantry, a toll will be charged. The cost per gantry is determined by the kilometer distance which the toll point represents.
Alli said all road users will be expected to set up an e-toll account followed by the purchase of the e-tags which will be available at all major retail stores such as Pick n Pay and Checkers. "It's as easy as buying your cellphone airtime".
The gantries are fitted with toll collection equipment that will recognise the e-tag which is linked to the vehicle number plate. Tolls will be deducted from a user's registered e-toll account associated with the vehicle and the user may not change the e-tag from one vehicle to another.
Registration for the e-tolling system commences in April and road users will be able to register an e-toll account at the e-toll customer service website, www.sanral.co.za, at e-toll customer service kiosks located at shopping malls or at e-toll customer service centres situated along the freeway network.
Toll tariffs are affordable, says Sanral [16 February 2011]
16-2-2011
By Nthambeleni Gabara
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) on Wednesday insisted that the open road tolling tariffs to be introduced on Gauteng's freeways are affordable.
Addressing the media on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and the Open Road Tolling Systems (ORT), Sanral boss, Nazir Alli said: "We've tried to making the tolling system tariffs to be more affordable, that is why we are also offering discounts."
The announcement of the tariffs recently was met with heated debate from the taxi industry, labour, opposition parties, the business sector as well as the general public who make use of the freeway network.
Alli said these tariffs had already being gazetted. "As Sanral we are only the implementation arm of government policy," he said, adding however, that their door was still open for further engagement on the matter.
Light vehicle drivers will be charged 66 cents for every kilometre travelled on the provincial freeways, motorcycles will pay 40 cents per kilometre while taxis will pay half the amount. A commuter who travels 63 kilometres from the south of Johannesburg to Centurion along the N1, undertaking 22 trips in one month, will need to pay an amount of R472.18 for the month.
The open road tolling system will consist of 49 electronically operated toll gantries distributed on sections of the N1, N3, N12 and R21 freeways between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The system allows for tolls to be automatically charged without vehicles stopping or slowing down. When the vehicle enters the toll area, the electronic equipment will photograph the front and rear number plate, read the e-tag on the vehicle, verify the tag if is linked to the specific vehicle and have an account linked to it.
Alli said non-payment of toll fees would result in the levying of fines as well as prosecution in terms of applicable legislation. However, non-payers will be granted a seven day grace period and thereafter invoiced for outstanding tolls if no registration takes place within the grace period.
"A debt collection process will be implemented and we just want to warn all those who might attempt to drive vehicles without number plates along the highways that they will be stopped by law enforcers," he said.
Obtaining an e-tag and registering an e-toll account will take place at the e-toll customer service website www.sanral.co.za; at an e-toll customer service kiosk located at malls or at an e-toll customer services centre situated along the freeway network. Account registration will commence in April.
Those motorists who already hold a Bakwena e-tag for use of the N1 and N4 in Pretoria will not need a new e-tag as they will work on the Gauteng e-toll system once the system is operational. However, they will need to re-register their account details with Sanral.
Newly registered Gauteng e-toll account holders will be unable to make use of Bakwena's e-tag lanes.
Regarding the payment method, road users will have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card.
According to Alli, there will be live testing of the ORT system in April later this year, while the tolling system will be operational from 23 June.
"Sanral will announce the opening of registration in the media. All details with regard to the e-toll registration points, including a list of the retail outlets where e-tags can be obtained, will be communicated to the road users," he said.
Meanwhile, the Sanral boss also announced that plans are on the pipeline to transform all the country's booth toll plazas, where individuals collect cash from motorists, into an electronic tolling system.
"The people currently working to collect cash from motorists will not lose their jobs because those who will win the tender will employ them," he said.
16-2-2011
By Nthambeleni Gabara
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) on Wednesday insisted that the open road tolling tariffs to be introduced on Gauteng's freeways are affordable.
Addressing the media on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and the Open Road Tolling Systems (ORT), Sanral boss, Nazir Alli said: "We've tried to making the tolling system tariffs to be more affordable, that is why we are also offering discounts."
The announcement of the tariffs recently was met with heated debate from the taxi industry, labour, opposition parties, the business sector as well as the general public who make use of the freeway network.
Alli said these tariffs had already being gazetted. "As Sanral we are only the implementation arm of government policy," he said, adding however, that their door was still open for further engagement on the matter.
Light vehicle drivers will be charged 66 cents for every kilometre travelled on the provincial freeways, motorcycles will pay 40 cents per kilometre while taxis will pay half the amount. A commuter who travels 63 kilometres from the south of Johannesburg to Centurion along the N1, undertaking 22 trips in one month, will need to pay an amount of R472.18 for the month.
The open road tolling system will consist of 49 electronically operated toll gantries distributed on sections of the N1, N3, N12 and R21 freeways between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The system allows for tolls to be automatically charged without vehicles stopping or slowing down. When the vehicle enters the toll area, the electronic equipment will photograph the front and rear number plate, read the e-tag on the vehicle, verify the tag if is linked to the specific vehicle and have an account linked to it.
Alli said non-payment of toll fees would result in the levying of fines as well as prosecution in terms of applicable legislation. However, non-payers will be granted a seven day grace period and thereafter invoiced for outstanding tolls if no registration takes place within the grace period.
"A debt collection process will be implemented and we just want to warn all those who might attempt to drive vehicles without number plates along the highways that they will be stopped by law enforcers," he said.
Obtaining an e-tag and registering an e-toll account will take place at the e-toll customer service website www.sanral.co.za; at an e-toll customer service kiosk located at malls or at an e-toll customer services centre situated along the freeway network. Account registration will commence in April.
Those motorists who already hold a Bakwena e-tag for use of the N1 and N4 in Pretoria will not need a new e-tag as they will work on the Gauteng e-toll system once the system is operational. However, they will need to re-register their account details with Sanral.
Newly registered Gauteng e-toll account holders will be unable to make use of Bakwena's e-tag lanes.
Regarding the payment method, road users will have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card.
According to Alli, there will be live testing of the ORT system in April later this year, while the tolling system will be operational from 23 June.
"Sanral will announce the opening of registration in the media. All details with regard to the e-toll registration points, including a list of the retail outlets where e-tags can be obtained, will be communicated to the road users," he said.
Meanwhile, the Sanral boss also announced that plans are on the pipeline to transform all the country's booth toll plazas, where individuals collect cash from motorists, into an electronic tolling system.
"The people currently working to collect cash from motorists will not lose their jobs because those who will win the tender will employ them," he said.
Cabinet approves toll tariffs for Gauteng [11 August 2011]
11-8-2011
Pretoria - Cabinet has approved toll tariffs for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project phase one.
The approved tariffs are cheaper than what was initially proposed.
The tolls tariffs were suspended in February due to public outcry over the high prices.
A panel was then appointed to review the proposed toll tariffs.
Under the new prices, motorcycles would pay 24 cents per kilometer, from the initial proposed 29 cents. Light motor vehicles (class A2) will pay 40 cents, while medium vehicles (class B) will pay R1.
Longer vehicles (class C) will pay R2 a kilometre.
However, commuter taxis and buses approved by authorities will not have to pay toll fees.
In addition to the 31 percent e-tag discount, other discounts applicable would be the time of day discount (available to all vehicles), and a frequent user discount for motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
The Transport Department's Deputy Minister, Jeremy Cronin, could not confirm the exact date for the commencement of the new tariffs.
"The department, through its agency - the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) - will now commence with the implementation of the Cabinet decision and further announcement regarding the implementation will be made in due course," Cronin told a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday.
Asked how they will ensure driver compliance, Cronin said they will use the "user-pay" (toll) principle, similar to buying a prepaid cell phone.
Car owners will be asked to set up accounts, either by phoning in or going to a website, where they can then load money onto these accounts before entering the tolling system.
Road users will also have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If so elected, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
If a user elects to have a pre-paid account, top-up of the account can take place by various payment channels, including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders, and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time). Users can also top-up their account at dedicated e-toll customer service centres/kiosks.
Once this is done, commuters must go to an outlet to get an electronic tag or transponder, to be displayed on their front windscreens. Commuters will not be charged for this tag.
The tag means the toll transaction is a quick, electronic one, with no physical toll gates where money is collected.
Motorists simply pass underneath a gantry housing the equipment which reads the tag while also taking a photo of the licence plates as soon as their vehicles break a laser beam.
Cronin said the decision was taken as the benefits outweighed the cost to the road user.
The tariffs, he said, will in a way help them address the ailing road infrastructure and will be used to fund the Gauteng Free Improvement Project, which is a multi-phased project currently underway to expand and widen the province's freeway network, currently choking under increased congestion.
Phase one carries an estimated R15.1-billion price tag, excluding vat.
"Most of the road network has long exceeded its design-life, and has reached a state of disrepair. A 60/40 split is necessary, where 60% is for maintenance and 40% is for any new capital expenditure work," said Cronin.
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project has been designed to ensure inter-model facilities between Metrorail, Gautrain, buses and taxis, and allows commuters to use public transport effectively.
But as with future phases of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, their priority and affordability will be assessed by the infrastructure commission, chaired by President Jacob Zuma. The commission was announced by Cabinet last month, and aims to ensure that infrastructure projects are integrated.
11-8-2011
Pretoria - Cabinet has approved toll tariffs for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project phase one.
The approved tariffs are cheaper than what was initially proposed.
The tolls tariffs were suspended in February due to public outcry over the high prices.
A panel was then appointed to review the proposed toll tariffs.
Under the new prices, motorcycles would pay 24 cents per kilometer, from the initial proposed 29 cents. Light motor vehicles (class A2) will pay 40 cents, while medium vehicles (class B) will pay R1.
Longer vehicles (class C) will pay R2 a kilometre.
However, commuter taxis and buses approved by authorities will not have to pay toll fees.
In addition to the 31 percent e-tag discount, other discounts applicable would be the time of day discount (available to all vehicles), and a frequent user discount for motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
The Transport Department's Deputy Minister, Jeremy Cronin, could not confirm the exact date for the commencement of the new tariffs.
"The department, through its agency - the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) - will now commence with the implementation of the Cabinet decision and further announcement regarding the implementation will be made in due course," Cronin told a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday.
Asked how they will ensure driver compliance, Cronin said they will use the "user-pay" (toll) principle, similar to buying a prepaid cell phone.
Car owners will be asked to set up accounts, either by phoning in or going to a website, where they can then load money onto these accounts before entering the tolling system.
Road users will also have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If so elected, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
If a user elects to have a pre-paid account, top-up of the account can take place by various payment channels, including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders, and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time). Users can also top-up their account at dedicated e-toll customer service centres/kiosks.
Once this is done, commuters must go to an outlet to get an electronic tag or transponder, to be displayed on their front windscreens. Commuters will not be charged for this tag.
The tag means the toll transaction is a quick, electronic one, with no physical toll gates where money is collected.
Motorists simply pass underneath a gantry housing the equipment which reads the tag while also taking a photo of the licence plates as soon as their vehicles break a laser beam.
Cronin said the decision was taken as the benefits outweighed the cost to the road user.
The tariffs, he said, will in a way help them address the ailing road infrastructure and will be used to fund the Gauteng Free Improvement Project, which is a multi-phased project currently underway to expand and widen the province's freeway network, currently choking under increased congestion.
Phase one carries an estimated R15.1-billion price tag, excluding vat.
"Most of the road network has long exceeded its design-life, and has reached a state of disrepair. A 60/40 split is necessary, where 60% is for maintenance and 40% is for any new capital expenditure work," said Cronin.
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project has been designed to ensure inter-model facilities between Metrorail, Gautrain, buses and taxis, and allows commuters to use public transport effectively.
But as with future phases of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, their priority and affordability will be assessed by the infrastructure commission, chaired by President Jacob Zuma. The commission was announced by Cabinet last month, and aims to ensure that infrastructure projects are integrated.
Toll gates a done deal - Ndebele [18 August 2011]
18-8-2011
Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele says the new toll gate system on major Gauteng roads is a done deal and that it is just a matter of time before it is implemented.
"It's done. The tolls are there, the money has been spent and decisions have been taken," Ndebele said at an Infrastructure Development Cluster media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday.
The tolls between Pretoria and Johannesburg are expected to be up and running in the next five months.
Last week, Cabinet approved the revised fee structure for the toll system, instructing Ndebele to effect the approval in terms of the SA National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act.
While the implementation of the system has sparked fierce criticism and opposition from motorists, Ndebele is adamant that the user pay principle, which he said was common in all major and emerging economies across the world, will be enforced.
"The debate about nationalising the department cannot be encouraged ... You cannot expect someone in Lusikisiki (in the Eastern Cape) to pay for a road that is in Johannesburg. So the issue of nationalising the department is not in the picture at all," he said in response to calls that the debt incurred as a result of provincial toll gates should be paid for from the taxpayers' purse.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited had borrowed more than R20 billion to roll out the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and has introduced the toll system to repay the loan.
Motorcycles would pay 24 cents a kilometre, light motor vehicles 40 cents, medium vehicles R1, and "longer" vehicles R2 a kilometre.
In addition to the 31% e-tag discount, other discounts applicable would be the time of day discount available to all vehicles, and a frequent user discount for motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
Qualifying commuter taxis and buses would be exempted entirely, a decision Ndebele said was taken to avoid the costs being passed to commuters.
Meanwhile, the minister also announced that his department and the National Treasury were in talks to create a 'rural transport grant' as part of efforts to speed up improvements in the public transport system of the country's rural areas. Such a grant would also serve as a long term commitment to the country's public transport strategy as adopted by government.
"With regard to the improvement of strategic roads and implementation of the Road Infrastructure Strategic Framework of South Africa, National Treasury and the Transport Department have rolled out the provincial road maintenance grant to the value of more than R22 billion," he said.
More than R6 billion of the money, meant to eradicate potholes across the country, has already been allocated to provinces, with Ndebele saying individual premiers were expected to outline their spending on the projects in a meeting to take place in Cape Town next week.
"I am meeting with them and each premier will have to say where and how the money was spent to improve the condition of the roads and if people were employed, how many."
The funding is on top of the R30 billion that government is spending over the next three years to upgrade the country's ageing rail system.
18-8-2011
Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele says the new toll gate system on major Gauteng roads is a done deal and that it is just a matter of time before it is implemented.
"It's done. The tolls are there, the money has been spent and decisions have been taken," Ndebele said at an Infrastructure Development Cluster media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday.
The tolls between Pretoria and Johannesburg are expected to be up and running in the next five months.
Last week, Cabinet approved the revised fee structure for the toll system, instructing Ndebele to effect the approval in terms of the SA National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act.
While the implementation of the system has sparked fierce criticism and opposition from motorists, Ndebele is adamant that the user pay principle, which he said was common in all major and emerging economies across the world, will be enforced.
"The debate about nationalising the department cannot be encouraged ... You cannot expect someone in Lusikisiki (in the Eastern Cape) to pay for a road that is in Johannesburg. So the issue of nationalising the department is not in the picture at all," he said in response to calls that the debt incurred as a result of provincial toll gates should be paid for from the taxpayers' purse.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited had borrowed more than R20 billion to roll out the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and has introduced the toll system to repay the loan.
Motorcycles would pay 24 cents a kilometre, light motor vehicles 40 cents, medium vehicles R1, and "longer" vehicles R2 a kilometre.
In addition to the 31% e-tag discount, other discounts applicable would be the time of day discount available to all vehicles, and a frequent user discount for motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
Qualifying commuter taxis and buses would be exempted entirely, a decision Ndebele said was taken to avoid the costs being passed to commuters.
Meanwhile, the minister also announced that his department and the National Treasury were in talks to create a 'rural transport grant' as part of efforts to speed up improvements in the public transport system of the country's rural areas. Such a grant would also serve as a long term commitment to the country's public transport strategy as adopted by government.
"With regard to the improvement of strategic roads and implementation of the Road Infrastructure Strategic Framework of South Africa, National Treasury and the Transport Department have rolled out the provincial road maintenance grant to the value of more than R22 billion," he said.
More than R6 billion of the money, meant to eradicate potholes across the country, has already been allocated to provinces, with Ndebele saying individual premiers were expected to outline their spending on the projects in a meeting to take place in Cape Town next week.
"I am meeting with them and each premier will have to say where and how the money was spent to improve the condition of the roads and if people were employed, how many."
The funding is on top of the R30 billion that government is spending over the next three years to upgrade the country's ageing rail system.
SANRAL denies e-toll accounts terms are unfair [18 January 2012]
18-1-2012
Pretoria - The SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has denied that its e-toll accounts terms and conditions were either unfair or illegal, as reported in a Gauteng newspaper.
In the front page story titled 'e-tag billing shock' published this week, the Star claimed that SANRAL wanted access to all bank details and financial accounts of the tag holders.
But the agency on Wednesday described the article as constituting "emotive journalism which not only lacks substance but fails to provide any reasons for the allegations made".
SANRAL addresses the five primary allegations which appear in the article, including concerns in clause 33 of SANRAL's terms and conditions, which states that "the user hereby irrevocably authorises the Agency or its duly authorised agent to obtain from any institution where the user may have an account, or from any credit bureau, any information concerning the user. This clause constitutes consent and an instruction to each such institution to disclose such information to the Agency or its agent".
SANRAL said nowhere in the conditions does it indicate that SANRAL would obtain more information than it otherwise needed.
"The information required may differ from person to person and accordingly the reason for the provisions of the clause. As to whether SANRAL obtained more information than may be permitted is a factual issue which can be addressed at the relevant time."
Such clause would not allow SANRAL to transgress the requirements of legislation and the agency would not seek to do so.
On the claims that the e-tags were open to potential fraud, SANRAL explained that the identification of users by way of e-tag was clear in that it is the e-tag affixed to a specific motor vehicle which is identified at an e-toll plaza.
"In addition and notwithstanding that the e-tag is the method initially used to identify the vehicle, the e-tag cross references the number plate of the vehicle registered with SANRAL. The use of both identifying methods and by further identifying the vehicle itself (which will take place by virtue of the vehicle being photographed) will greatly assist in preventing fraudulent transactions," it said.
18-1-2012
Pretoria - The SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has denied that its e-toll accounts terms and conditions were either unfair or illegal, as reported in a Gauteng newspaper.
In the front page story titled 'e-tag billing shock' published this week, the Star claimed that SANRAL wanted access to all bank details and financial accounts of the tag holders.
But the agency on Wednesday described the article as constituting "emotive journalism which not only lacks substance but fails to provide any reasons for the allegations made".
SANRAL addresses the five primary allegations which appear in the article, including concerns in clause 33 of SANRAL's terms and conditions, which states that "the user hereby irrevocably authorises the Agency or its duly authorised agent to obtain from any institution where the user may have an account, or from any credit bureau, any information concerning the user. This clause constitutes consent and an instruction to each such institution to disclose such information to the Agency or its agent".
SANRAL said nowhere in the conditions does it indicate that SANRAL would obtain more information than it otherwise needed.
"The information required may differ from person to person and accordingly the reason for the provisions of the clause. As to whether SANRAL obtained more information than may be permitted is a factual issue which can be addressed at the relevant time."
Such clause would not allow SANRAL to transgress the requirements of legislation and the agency would not seek to do so.
On the claims that the e-tags were open to potential fraud, SANRAL explained that the identification of users by way of e-tag was clear in that it is the e-tag affixed to a specific motor vehicle which is identified at an e-toll plaza.
"In addition and notwithstanding that the e-tag is the method initially used to identify the vehicle, the e-tag cross references the number plate of the vehicle registered with SANRAL. The use of both identifying methods and by further identifying the vehicle itself (which will take place by virtue of the vehicle being photographed) will greatly assist in preventing fraudulent transactions," it said.
SANRAL to announce new conditions on e-tolling [11 April 2012]
11-4-2012
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has announced that it will issue revised terms and conditions for road users who register for Gauteng's e-tolling system.
The new terms and conditions have taken into consideration the concerns and recommendations made by the public on this matter, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We believe that these new terms and conditions will allay fears consumers may have. Importantly, the new terms and conditions will apply to everybody who has registered already or who registers in future. No registered user will be prejudiced or disadvantaged."
The decision to revise the terms and conditions, according to SANRAL, is a demonstration that they take the concerns and input of the public seriously.
"We also continue to co-operate and engage with the National Consumer Commission on this matter. We intend to issue the new terms and conditions at the conclusion of the engagement with the National Consumer Commission, but in any event before tolling commences."
The agency also reiterated that the banking details of users will only be required if the user chooses a payment option which requires the user to provide their banking details.
The pre-paid option can be settled by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and/or cash payments at an e-toll customer service centre.
11-4-2012
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has announced that it will issue revised terms and conditions for road users who register for Gauteng's e-tolling system.
The new terms and conditions have taken into consideration the concerns and recommendations made by the public on this matter, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We believe that these new terms and conditions will allay fears consumers may have. Importantly, the new terms and conditions will apply to everybody who has registered already or who registers in future. No registered user will be prejudiced or disadvantaged."
The decision to revise the terms and conditions, according to SANRAL, is a demonstration that they take the concerns and input of the public seriously.
"We also continue to co-operate and engage with the National Consumer Commission on this matter. We intend to issue the new terms and conditions at the conclusion of the engagement with the National Consumer Commission, but in any event before tolling commences."
The agency also reiterated that the banking details of users will only be required if the user chooses a payment option which requires the user to provide their banking details.
The pre-paid option can be settled by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and/or cash payments at an e-toll customer service centre.
No need to re-register for e-toll - SANRAL [12 April 2012]
12-4-2012
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has moved to reassure Gauteng motorists who have already registered for the e-toll system that they will not be required to re-register for the system.
SANRAL this week announced that it will issue revised terms and conditions for road users who register for the e-tolling system, which will come into operation at the end of April.
The agency said the new terms and conditions have taken into consideration the concerns and recommendations made by the public on the matter. The announcement sparked speculation that those who have already registered for their e-tags may need to re-register.
"They will be afforded an opportunity to review and accept the revised terms and conditions at that time and they will be notified of the process. They would not be prejudiced or disadvantaged because of the revised terms and conditions which will apply to everybody who has registered already or who registers in future," SANRAL said.
On Wednesday, SANRAL attended a conciliation meeting at the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to discuss the complaint by the DA that the existing Gauteng e-toll terms and conditions were unfair.
Both SANRAL and the DA were required to present their case to the Conciliator with regard to the complaints raised by the DA.
SANRAL said it intended to issue the revised terms and conditions after engagement with the NCC on its separate investigation and will consider its recommendations. However, the revised terms and conditions will be issued before toll commencement.
It said in preparing the revised terms and conditions, consideration was given to concerns which have been expressed by the public.
"For example, some people expressed concerns about the scope of SANRAL's right to request information about users from other institutions, while others questioned the process for querying the toll fees that might be payable by a user. These clauses are going to be updated in the revised terms and conditions."
12-4-2012
Pretoria - The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has moved to reassure Gauteng motorists who have already registered for the e-toll system that they will not be required to re-register for the system.
SANRAL this week announced that it will issue revised terms and conditions for road users who register for the e-tolling system, which will come into operation at the end of April.
The agency said the new terms and conditions have taken into consideration the concerns and recommendations made by the public on the matter. The announcement sparked speculation that those who have already registered for their e-tags may need to re-register.
"They will be afforded an opportunity to review and accept the revised terms and conditions at that time and they will be notified of the process. They would not be prejudiced or disadvantaged because of the revised terms and conditions which will apply to everybody who has registered already or who registers in future," SANRAL said.
On Wednesday, SANRAL attended a conciliation meeting at the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to discuss the complaint by the DA that the existing Gauteng e-toll terms and conditions were unfair.
Both SANRAL and the DA were required to present their case to the Conciliator with regard to the complaints raised by the DA.
SANRAL said it intended to issue the revised terms and conditions after engagement with the NCC on its separate investigation and will consider its recommendations. However, the revised terms and conditions will be issued before toll commencement.
It said in preparing the revised terms and conditions, consideration was given to concerns which have been expressed by the public.
"For example, some people expressed concerns about the scope of SANRAL's right to request information about users from other institutions, while others questioned the process for querying the toll fees that might be payable by a user. These clauses are going to be updated in the revised terms and conditions."
Test phase for e-toll billing system starts [13 April 2012]
13-4-2012
Pretoria - Live testing of the billing system for the e-toll on Gauteng's roads has been launched, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) announced on Friday.
During this test phase, registered e-road users will be able to observe the test toll transactions on their e-toll accounts, which will be updated within 24 hours.
"This will be available on the SANRAL website at www.sanral.co.za. Non-registered e-road users may receive test invoices showing their test transactions," SANRAL said.
It stressed that during this test phase no funds will be deducted from motorist's e-toll accounts.
"The test invoices and e-toll account updates will represent the test e-toll transactions for particular toll gantries for the specific user for the test period," SANRAL added.
SANRAL encouraged motorists to register for an e-tag account, which will grant them access to discounts available to e-tag users. This includes a 48% e-tag discount, the frequent user discounts and R550 per month e-toll tariff cap available to registered motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
13-4-2012
Pretoria - Live testing of the billing system for the e-toll on Gauteng's roads has been launched, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) announced on Friday.
During this test phase, registered e-road users will be able to observe the test toll transactions on their e-toll accounts, which will be updated within 24 hours.
"This will be available on the SANRAL website at www.sanral.co.za. Non-registered e-road users may receive test invoices showing their test transactions," SANRAL said.
It stressed that during this test phase no funds will be deducted from motorist's e-toll accounts.
"The test invoices and e-toll account updates will represent the test e-toll transactions for particular toll gantries for the specific user for the test period," SANRAL added.
SANRAL encouraged motorists to register for an e-tag account, which will grant them access to discounts available to e-tag users. This includes a 48% e-tag discount, the frequent user discounts and R550 per month e-toll tariff cap available to registered motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
Gauteng e-toll registration increases [19 April 2012]
19-4-2012
Pretoria - Motorists are registering in large numbers before the Gauteng e-toll roads system kicks in on 30 April.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) said it had experienced a significant increase in e-toll account registration for Gauteng e-roads at its customer service centres across the province.
In a statement, SANRAL said most of these registrations have taken place at e-toll customer service outlets in selected shopping malls. It is also anticipated this number will increase as the e-toll commencement date draws closer.
SANRAL is still encouraging road users to become e-toll ready by registering for their e-toll account within the next two weeks.
While the e-toll customer service outlets are conveniently placed in areas where people usually do their normal shopping, SANRAL has reminded road users that it is equally convenient to register by visiting the SANRAL website at www.sanral.co.za or by contacting the e-toll call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725).
Bulk registration for 50 or more e-toll accounts can also be made by contacting the e-toll call centre.
Over the past few weeks, SANRAL has undertaken a number of tests to ensure the system is ready for toll commencement on 30 April. This includes live testing of the e-toll billing system and testing of the e-tags. This is part of the preparation to ensure that invoices are processed properly when e-tolling goes live.
Road users have the option of having their vehicle recognised with a Vehicle Licence Plate Number (VLN) or an e-tag on the Gauteng e-road.
Registered Gauteng e-road users, who have an e-tag fitted on their vehicle, will be eligible for all the discounts available to e-tag users, including the 48 percent e-tag discount and frequent user discount.
Road users can opt for the pre-paid e-toll account, which works in the same way as a pre-paid cell phone account.
With this option, road users can top up their e-toll account either by visiting an e-toll customer service outlet or via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
In both cases, road users are not required to provide their banking details.
Special arrangements have been put in place for obtaining the e-tags and registering an e-toll account for fleets and groups of 50 or more. Details are available from the e-toll website.
All e-toll account holders can manage their e-toll account online through the e-toll website www.sanral.co.za where they will be able to view and print all transactions.
19-4-2012
Pretoria - Motorists are registering in large numbers before the Gauteng e-toll roads system kicks in on 30 April.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) said it had experienced a significant increase in e-toll account registration for Gauteng e-roads at its customer service centres across the province.
In a statement, SANRAL said most of these registrations have taken place at e-toll customer service outlets in selected shopping malls. It is also anticipated this number will increase as the e-toll commencement date draws closer.
SANRAL is still encouraging road users to become e-toll ready by registering for their e-toll account within the next two weeks.
While the e-toll customer service outlets are conveniently placed in areas where people usually do their normal shopping, SANRAL has reminded road users that it is equally convenient to register by visiting the SANRAL website at www.sanral.co.za or by contacting the e-toll call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725).
Bulk registration for 50 or more e-toll accounts can also be made by contacting the e-toll call centre.
Over the past few weeks, SANRAL has undertaken a number of tests to ensure the system is ready for toll commencement on 30 April. This includes live testing of the e-toll billing system and testing of the e-tags. This is part of the preparation to ensure that invoices are processed properly when e-tolling goes live.
Road users have the option of having their vehicle recognised with a Vehicle Licence Plate Number (VLN) or an e-tag on the Gauteng e-road.
Registered Gauteng e-road users, who have an e-tag fitted on their vehicle, will be eligible for all the discounts available to e-tag users, including the 48 percent e-tag discount and frequent user discount.
Road users can opt for the pre-paid e-toll account, which works in the same way as a pre-paid cell phone account.
With this option, road users can top up their e-toll account either by visiting an e-toll customer service outlet or via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
In both cases, road users are not required to provide their banking details.
Special arrangements have been put in place for obtaining the e-tags and registering an e-toll account for fleets and groups of 50 or more. Details are available from the e-toll website.
All e-toll account holders can manage their e-toll account online through the e-toll website www.sanral.co.za where they will be able to view and print all transactions.
No delay in implementing e-tolls [19 April 2012]
19-4-2012
Pretoria - There is no chance that the implementation of the e-tolling system on Gauteng's main highways will be delayed.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) CEO Nazir Alli, who was briefing media on Thursday, said that the system would still kick off on 30 April, despite the opposition from motorist, business, unions and a pending court challenge.
He said that the implementation date could not be delayed as it would result in additional cost, adding that the number of registered motorists has increased to 500 000.
Last week, the agency gazetted that motorists who do not register for e-tags would pay more than those who do not have e-tags. They will be charged R1.74 per kilometre.
Alli said there was no way around this, and that Sanral was implementing government policy, where decisions on the project would have to be taken at that level.
He said it would be a criminal offence for any motorist to use the toll roads and not pay the tariffs.
"Under the law, it's a criminal offence not to pay toll fees while using the road." He said drivers could not pick and choose which laws to obey.
But Alli dismissed media reports that there would be Sanral police serving unregistered motorist with tickets. He said as Sanral, they did not have the power to arrest anyone nor to impound anyone's vehicles. Instead, he said, they would use the current law enforcement agencies to warn any motorists.
Alli said the issue of tolling the Gauteng roads did not crop up recently, but had been in the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project plan since 2007 when the project was introduced. The matter was approved by Cabinet. Sanral also had to get permission from all local authorities and public consultations where held, and this happened long before construction started, Alli explained.
He said they had documents that revealed that extensive consultation on the project was undertaken within government, at Nedlac and with the public, where presentations were made regarding the project when it was announced.
Responding to allegations that government was pushing ahead with the system despite opposition, because the Public Investment Cooperation (PIC) had acquired bonds in Sanral, Alli said this was not their motivation.
He emphasized that the PIC does not buy Sanral issued bonds only. "It invests in other state-owned entities, which have a mandate to bring about development in the country."
The PIC is wholly-owned by government and manages investment funds on behalf of public sector entities. Among its clients is the Government Employees Pension Fund.
Alli said the question South Africans should be asking was how the country was going to fund the lagging infrastructure and transport system. He said the e-tolling system worked and provided at least one solution to the country's fiscal and infrastructure development and environmental challenges.
Giving stats, he said, out the 606 000 km of public roads in the country, 3 120 km are tolled. There was a R149 billion backlog on maintenance of the country's roads.
He said the most fundamental contribution of the e-tolling system had been job creation, as at least 20 000 jobs were created in the construction phase of the project.
Now the project has created 1 200 permanent jobs in toll revenue collection and other areas.
Also speaking at the briefing, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said government had done a lot to accommodate the public, especially the poor in that taxis and buses were excluded from paying the tolls and the middle class had also been considered because there is a R550 cap for regular road users.
19-4-2012
Pretoria - There is no chance that the implementation of the e-tolling system on Gauteng's main highways will be delayed.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) CEO Nazir Alli, who was briefing media on Thursday, said that the system would still kick off on 30 April, despite the opposition from motorist, business, unions and a pending court challenge.
He said that the implementation date could not be delayed as it would result in additional cost, adding that the number of registered motorists has increased to 500 000.
Last week, the agency gazetted that motorists who do not register for e-tags would pay more than those who do not have e-tags. They will be charged R1.74 per kilometre.
Alli said there was no way around this, and that Sanral was implementing government policy, where decisions on the project would have to be taken at that level.
He said it would be a criminal offence for any motorist to use the toll roads and not pay the tariffs.
"Under the law, it's a criminal offence not to pay toll fees while using the road." He said drivers could not pick and choose which laws to obey.
But Alli dismissed media reports that there would be Sanral police serving unregistered motorist with tickets. He said as Sanral, they did not have the power to arrest anyone nor to impound anyone's vehicles. Instead, he said, they would use the current law enforcement agencies to warn any motorists.
Alli said the issue of tolling the Gauteng roads did not crop up recently, but had been in the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project plan since 2007 when the project was introduced. The matter was approved by Cabinet. Sanral also had to get permission from all local authorities and public consultations where held, and this happened long before construction started, Alli explained.
He said they had documents that revealed that extensive consultation on the project was undertaken within government, at Nedlac and with the public, where presentations were made regarding the project when it was announced.
Responding to allegations that government was pushing ahead with the system despite opposition, because the Public Investment Cooperation (PIC) had acquired bonds in Sanral, Alli said this was not their motivation.
He emphasized that the PIC does not buy Sanral issued bonds only. "It invests in other state-owned entities, which have a mandate to bring about development in the country."
The PIC is wholly-owned by government and manages investment funds on behalf of public sector entities. Among its clients is the Government Employees Pension Fund.
Alli said the question South Africans should be asking was how the country was going to fund the lagging infrastructure and transport system. He said the e-tolling system worked and provided at least one solution to the country's fiscal and infrastructure development and environmental challenges.
Giving stats, he said, out the 606 000 km of public roads in the country, 3 120 km are tolled. There was a R149 billion backlog on maintenance of the country's roads.
He said the most fundamental contribution of the e-tolling system had been job creation, as at least 20 000 jobs were created in the construction phase of the project.
Now the project has created 1 200 permanent jobs in toll revenue collection and other areas.
Also speaking at the briefing, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said government had done a lot to accommodate the public, especially the poor in that taxis and buses were excluded from paying the tolls and the middle class had also been considered because there is a R550 cap for regular road users.
Public transport operators urged to register for e-tolls [23 April 2012]
23-4-2012
Johannesburg - The SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) on Monday urged thousands of public transport operators in Gauteng to register for the e-tolling system, which is set to commence on 30 April.
Sanral CEO Nazir Ali said while public transport operators, such as taxis and buses, would be exempted from paying the toll fees, operators still needed to be registered on the system to qualify for the exemption.
"We would like to give assurance to all the taxi and bus associations, including scholar transport, that they will qualify for the exemptions and that the exemptions will happen," Ali said.
He emphasised that public transport operators who did not register would not qualify for the tags.
"The reason for this is simple: we don't want people to abuse the tags, they need to be exempted because they qualify."
On Friday, Sanral published the draft regulations for exemption for public comment.
More than 500 000 e-tags have been distributed to motorists around the province ahead of the launch date on 30 April. E-tag holders will qualify for regular user discounts.
Meanwhile, Ali said SANRAL would respect any court decision regarding the e-toll implementation.
Court applications have been filed by the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) and AfriForum to have the process halted. The Congress of SA Trade Unions has planned mass protests in the run up to the implementation date.
"We respect the laws of our country and therefore we will respect any court decision to that effect," said Ali.
National Treasury has filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the implementation of the system.
"The Minister of Finance has instructed the National Treasury to seek leave to join the case in view of the significance of this matter for the State's financing of road infrastructure and the integrity and sustainability of the public finances," a statement said.
23-4-2012
Johannesburg - The SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) on Monday urged thousands of public transport operators in Gauteng to register for the e-tolling system, which is set to commence on 30 April.
Sanral CEO Nazir Ali said while public transport operators, such as taxis and buses, would be exempted from paying the toll fees, operators still needed to be registered on the system to qualify for the exemption.
"We would like to give assurance to all the taxi and bus associations, including scholar transport, that they will qualify for the exemptions and that the exemptions will happen," Ali said.
He emphasised that public transport operators who did not register would not qualify for the tags.
"The reason for this is simple: we don't want people to abuse the tags, they need to be exempted because they qualify."
On Friday, Sanral published the draft regulations for exemption for public comment.
More than 500 000 e-tags have been distributed to motorists around the province ahead of the launch date on 30 April. E-tag holders will qualify for regular user discounts.
Meanwhile, Ali said SANRAL would respect any court decision regarding the e-toll implementation.
Court applications have been filed by the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) and AfriForum to have the process halted. The Congress of SA Trade Unions has planned mass protests in the run up to the implementation date.
"We respect the laws of our country and therefore we will respect any court decision to that effect," said Ali.
National Treasury has filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the implementation of the system.
"The Minister of Finance has instructed the National Treasury to seek leave to join the case in view of the significance of this matter for the State's financing of road infrastructure and the integrity and sustainability of the public finances," a statement said.
Committee will look at all aspects of e-tolling [4 May 2012]
04-5-2012
Pretoria - The committee appointed to coordinate work around the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) would look at all aspects related to the e-tolls.
Briefing the media on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, said the committee would look into issues such as the recent court decision on e-tolls, the implication of that decision, the implication on SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the ability to pay back the debt.
The North Gauteng High Court granted an urgent interdict against e-tolling, placing the project on hold until a full review can take place. The system would have kicked off on 30 April.
Chabane said an area of concern was the debt related to the e-tolls. "The infrastructure is in place, the debt exists and now we have to find a way to deal with it, whatever the consequences may be," he said.
Cabinet has appointed a committee to be chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to coordinate all work around the GFIP.
Chabane said government understood the concerns and issues raised by South Africans around the e-tolling of Gauteng roads.
He said government had gone someway to provide relief to motorists by making R5.75 billion available to the SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
"This committee will among other things move with urgency to ensure that SANRAL's financial stability is not affected in any way. The committee will assess the government's response to the North Gauteng High Court ruling and other related legal matters.
"It will also meet with appropriate stakeholders in order to find constructive solutions and consensus on the outstanding matters," he said.
Chabane added that the R20 billion investment in the GFIP would benefit the residents and the economy of Gauteng, which was a major driver of national economic activity.
"The decisions that we make and the steps that all of us as South Africans now take regarding the future of the GFIP will have serious implications for how we finance future infrastructure projects.
"We must also guard against decisions and actions that may impact negatively on our track record in the prudent management of government finances," he said, adding that government had to act responsibly to ensure that it and the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) honoured their financial obligations timeously.
"Government must also ensure that nothing compromises the huge infrastructure programme which is crucial for raising the level of South Africa's economic growth and for raising the standard of living of citizens, especially the poor and unemployed," said the minister.
Other members of the committee are Sbu Ndebele (Minister of Transport), Pravin Gordhan ( Minister of Finance), Malusi Gigaba (Minister of Public Enterprises), Collins Chabane (Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation) and Cassius Lubisi (DG in the Presidency and Cabinet Secretary).
04-5-2012
Pretoria - The committee appointed to coordinate work around the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) would look at all aspects related to the e-tolls.
Briefing the media on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, said the committee would look into issues such as the recent court decision on e-tolls, the implication of that decision, the implication on SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the ability to pay back the debt.
The North Gauteng High Court granted an urgent interdict against e-tolling, placing the project on hold until a full review can take place. The system would have kicked off on 30 April.
Chabane said an area of concern was the debt related to the e-tolls. "The infrastructure is in place, the debt exists and now we have to find a way to deal with it, whatever the consequences may be," he said.
Cabinet has appointed a committee to be chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to coordinate all work around the GFIP.
Chabane said government understood the concerns and issues raised by South Africans around the e-tolling of Gauteng roads.
He said government had gone someway to provide relief to motorists by making R5.75 billion available to the SA National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
"This committee will among other things move with urgency to ensure that SANRAL's financial stability is not affected in any way. The committee will assess the government's response to the North Gauteng High Court ruling and other related legal matters.
"It will also meet with appropriate stakeholders in order to find constructive solutions and consensus on the outstanding matters," he said.
Chabane added that the R20 billion investment in the GFIP would benefit the residents and the economy of Gauteng, which was a major driver of national economic activity.
"The decisions that we make and the steps that all of us as South Africans now take regarding the future of the GFIP will have serious implications for how we finance future infrastructure projects.
"We must also guard against decisions and actions that may impact negatively on our track record in the prudent management of government finances," he said, adding that government had to act responsibly to ensure that it and the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) honoured their financial obligations timeously.
"Government must also ensure that nothing compromises the huge infrastructure programme which is crucial for raising the level of South Africa's economic growth and for raising the standard of living of citizens, especially the poor and unemployed," said the minister.
Other members of the committee are Sbu Ndebele (Minister of Transport), Pravin Gordhan ( Minister of Finance), Malusi Gigaba (Minister of Public Enterprises), Collins Chabane (Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation) and Cassius Lubisi (DG in the Presidency and Cabinet Secretary).
Treasury intervenes in e-toll court application [23 April 2012]
23-4-2012
Pretoria - National Treasury has filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the collection of tolls on some Gauteng roads.
"The Minister of Finance has instructed the National Treasury to seek leave to join the case in view of the significance of this matter for the State's financing of road infrastructure and the integrity and sustainability of the public finances.
"Treasury's responsibilities in this regard derive from the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act," it said on Monday.
The implementation of the e-toll system on Gauteng's main highways is set to commence on 30 April.
Treasury filed the papers ahead of the North Gauteng High Court hearing tomorrow. This comes after the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, South African Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, the Quadpara Association of South Africa and South African National Consumer Union brought an application for an interdict.
The application is against the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), the Ministers of Transport and Water and Environmental Affairs; the Director-General of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs; Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, and the National Consumer Commission.
"There would be serious negative implications for future financing of roads and investment in public transport, were Sanral to be interdicted from implementing the toll collection system. Of concern also is the implication for Sanral's capacity to repay its debt, which is partially guaranteed by government," said Treasury.
It added that the integrity and sustainability of government's continued access to capital markets was a vital determinant of the country's ability to finance infrastructure required for economic growth, development as well as rising living standards.
"National Treasury therefore seeks to join the respondents to the application, and will argue that the interdict should be denied and the implementation of toll collection should be permitted to proceed, as has been decided by Cabinet and in keeping with the provisions of the Sanral Act."
In 2007 government, after extensive planning and consultation, decided to finance the construction and maintenance of an improved Gauteng freeway system through an electronic tolling system.
After considering public representations during 2011 regarding the level of tolls proposed, Cabinet agreed that a contribution of R5.75 billion should be made from the fiscus to the project.
The principal reason behind tolling certain roads is the need for major arterial routes to be constructed and maintained to help stimulate economic growth and development.
It said that the benefits to road users of improved safety, lower travel time and lower operating costs substantially exceed the proposed toll charges.
23-4-2012
Pretoria - National Treasury has filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the collection of tolls on some Gauteng roads.
"The Minister of Finance has instructed the National Treasury to seek leave to join the case in view of the significance of this matter for the State's financing of road infrastructure and the integrity and sustainability of the public finances.
"Treasury's responsibilities in this regard derive from the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act," it said on Monday.
The implementation of the e-toll system on Gauteng's main highways is set to commence on 30 April.
Treasury filed the papers ahead of the North Gauteng High Court hearing tomorrow. This comes after the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, South African Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, the Quadpara Association of South Africa and South African National Consumer Union brought an application for an interdict.
The application is against the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), the Ministers of Transport and Water and Environmental Affairs; the Director-General of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs; Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, and the National Consumer Commission.
"There would be serious negative implications for future financing of roads and investment in public transport, were Sanral to be interdicted from implementing the toll collection system. Of concern also is the implication for Sanral's capacity to repay its debt, which is partially guaranteed by government," said Treasury.
It added that the integrity and sustainability of government's continued access to capital markets was a vital determinant of the country's ability to finance infrastructure required for economic growth, development as well as rising living standards.
"National Treasury therefore seeks to join the respondents to the application, and will argue that the interdict should be denied and the implementation of toll collection should be permitted to proceed, as has been decided by Cabinet and in keeping with the provisions of the Sanral Act."
In 2007 government, after extensive planning and consultation, decided to finance the construction and maintenance of an improved Gauteng freeway system through an electronic tolling system.
After considering public representations during 2011 regarding the level of tolls proposed, Cabinet agreed that a contribution of R5.75 billion should be made from the fiscus to the project.
The principal reason behind tolling certain roads is the need for major arterial routes to be constructed and maintained to help stimulate economic growth and development.
It said that the benefits to road users of improved safety, lower travel time and lower operating costs substantially exceed the proposed toll charges.
Appropriation Bill for e-tolling to be introduced [31 May 2012]
31-5-2012
Cape Town - The government is considering introducing a special Appropriation Bill to help the South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) to meet its obligations in the short-term, the Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has announced.
Briefing media on Thursday, Motlanthe said Sanral had borrowed R20 billion to fund the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and the delay in the collection of toll fees had resulted in the roads agency not being able to meet its contractual obligation.
The government has lodged an appeal in the Constitutional Court over the North Gauteng High Court's judgement, which last month halted the 30 April implementation date of e-tolling.
Motlanthe said if the Appropriation Bill was passed, government may have to take away money from other allocations in the fiscus.
The Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan said a range of funding options was being considered by the government, but added that the Appropriation Bill would give Sanral and its debtors the assurance that the government would honour the debt, particularly with an important payment Sanral was due to pay in January next year.
Gordhan said based on estimates by rating agency Moodys, Sanral could be losing about R270 million a month, or up to R500 million if one included collection fees.
He said the element of user-pay was crucial anywhere in the world - with the payment of water, electricity and telephones for example - and South Africa should not undermine this principle, if it is to develop sustainable funding mechanisms for public services.
The government had taken the view that lower income groups needed to be subsidised by the state, he said.
Motlanthe said South Africans need to clarify among themselves whether it was the issue of tolling that they were against, or that of electronic tolling (e-tolling) - pointing out that South Africa had been employing the tolling method for many years.
Turning to the court appeal over last month's e-tolling judgement, Motlanthe said the judicial process - including the appeal case - could drag on until August next year.
The government was appealing the court's judgement as he believed the judiciary had unfairly encroached on the responsibilities and authority of the executive, he said.
An inter-ministerial committee, headed by Motlanthe, is looking at how to respond to the legal dispute, co-ordinate all work related to the implementation of the project, propose short-term funding solutions for Sanral and consult with stakeholders.
"Under no condition will we say as a government that we won't want to listen to the concerns raised by citizens," he said.
"While we continue to consult, we must bear in mind that there is a public debt that needs to be repaid and the longer we take to resolve this impasse the worse the country's financial position becomes," he said.
Motlanthe said when Cabinet initially looked at how to fund the GFIP, it had examined a number of measures and had found that e-tolling was the best option.
E-tolling was preferable as it allowed for collection of tariffs and free-flowing traffic and such a system is also used successfully in China and Chile.
Other options included raising fuel taxes, vehicle registration licenses and development fees.
A R5.75 billion allocation in the 2012/13 Budget, presented by the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan in February, had helped to reduce tariffs from 50c per km to 30c tariff.
"The decision to implement the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project with its chosen funding mechanism was taken after a thorough consultative process and its implementation was in compliance with appropriate legislation," he said.
As an alternative to e-tolling, the public could also make use of other public transport such as rail, minibus taxis and buses and could also make use of several alternative roads.
These include: R101 (the Old Johannesburg/Pretoria Road), R55, R59, R511 and N14 were alternative roads, with major upgrades also being undertaken on some of these alternative roads.
He said the inter-ministerial committee invited anyone with any information around wrongdoing linked to e-tolling to come forward and report these to the committee or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
There was no harm, he said, in putting information in the public arena around the 33 companies subcontracted to Sanral for the e-tolling project.
The Minister of Transport announced at the briefing that Nazir Alli had withdrawn his resignation, at the request of himself and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) Board.
31-5-2012
Cape Town - The government is considering introducing a special Appropriation Bill to help the South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) to meet its obligations in the short-term, the Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has announced.
Briefing media on Thursday, Motlanthe said Sanral had borrowed R20 billion to fund the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and the delay in the collection of toll fees had resulted in the roads agency not being able to meet its contractual obligation.
The government has lodged an appeal in the Constitutional Court over the North Gauteng High Court's judgement, which last month halted the 30 April implementation date of e-tolling.
Motlanthe said if the Appropriation Bill was passed, government may have to take away money from other allocations in the fiscus.
The Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan said a range of funding options was being considered by the government, but added that the Appropriation Bill would give Sanral and its debtors the assurance that the government would honour the debt, particularly with an important payment Sanral was due to pay in January next year.
Gordhan said based on estimates by rating agency Moodys, Sanral could be losing about R270 million a month, or up to R500 million if one included collection fees.
He said the element of user-pay was crucial anywhere in the world - with the payment of water, electricity and telephones for example - and South Africa should not undermine this principle, if it is to develop sustainable funding mechanisms for public services.
The government had taken the view that lower income groups needed to be subsidised by the state, he said.
Motlanthe said South Africans need to clarify among themselves whether it was the issue of tolling that they were against, or that of electronic tolling (e-tolling) - pointing out that South Africa had been employing the tolling method for many years.
Turning to the court appeal over last month's e-tolling judgement, Motlanthe said the judicial process - including the appeal case - could drag on until August next year.
The government was appealing the court's judgement as he believed the judiciary had unfairly encroached on the responsibilities and authority of the executive, he said.
An inter-ministerial committee, headed by Motlanthe, is looking at how to respond to the legal dispute, co-ordinate all work related to the implementation of the project, propose short-term funding solutions for Sanral and consult with stakeholders.
"Under no condition will we say as a government that we won't want to listen to the concerns raised by citizens," he said.
"While we continue to consult, we must bear in mind that there is a public debt that needs to be repaid and the longer we take to resolve this impasse the worse the country's financial position becomes," he said.
Motlanthe said when Cabinet initially looked at how to fund the GFIP, it had examined a number of measures and had found that e-tolling was the best option.
E-tolling was preferable as it allowed for collection of tariffs and free-flowing traffic and such a system is also used successfully in China and Chile.
Other options included raising fuel taxes, vehicle registration licenses and development fees.
A R5.75 billion allocation in the 2012/13 Budget, presented by the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan in February, had helped to reduce tariffs from 50c per km to 30c tariff.
"The decision to implement the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project with its chosen funding mechanism was taken after a thorough consultative process and its implementation was in compliance with appropriate legislation," he said.
As an alternative to e-tolling, the public could also make use of other public transport such as rail, minibus taxis and buses and could also make use of several alternative roads.
These include: R101 (the Old Johannesburg/Pretoria Road), R55, R59, R511 and N14 were alternative roads, with major upgrades also being undertaken on some of these alternative roads.
He said the inter-ministerial committee invited anyone with any information around wrongdoing linked to e-tolling to come forward and report these to the committee or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
There was no harm, he said, in putting information in the public arena around the 33 companies subcontracted to Sanral for the e-tolling project.
The Minister of Transport announced at the briefing that Nazir Alli had withdrawn his resignation, at the request of himself and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) Board.
Ndebele calls for cooperation ahead of e-toll [25 April 2012]
25-4-2012
Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has encouraged motorists in Gauteng to cooperate ahead of the implementation of the freeway e-toll system, which goes live on 30 April.
"We would like to thank the people of Gauteng for their cooperation as we move towards the implementation of this critical project," Ndebele said, delivering his department's Budget Vote in the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has said that the system would still kick off on 30 April, despite the opposition from motorist, business, unions and a court challenge currently underway.
Ndebele noted that the implementation of the project was postponed to allow for further consultation and the subsequent intervention of R5.7 billion by the National Treasury to help SANRAL reduce its R20-billion debt incurred as a result of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
Both SANRAL and the government have emphasised that the benefits associated with the GFIP were substantial and include improved traffic flow, improved incident management and services. Improved accessibility in Gauteng, with reduced travel times, would boost the South African economy.
In August last year, Cabinet approved a decision to exempt the public transport sector - including taxis and buses - from paying e-tolls.
On Wednesday, Ndebele said government recognised that public transport users were among the lowest earning South Africans. "I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasize that no public transport vehicle will be expected to pay for the e-tolling tariffs."
The GFIP is one of SANRAL's largest projects to date. It comprises different phases to upgrade and implement new freeway networks. The e-road is the country's first multi-lane free-flow toll system using electronic toll covering 185 kilometres of road; the network now has wider freeways, with up to six lanes in each direction.
Phase 1, which comprises the upgrading of 185km of the most congested freeways in Gauteng, is nearing completion. Thirty-four interchanges have been and are still being significantly upgraded, including infamous interchanges such as Allandale, Rivonia, William Nicol, Gilloolys and Elands.
More than 20 000 jobs have been created for South Africans through the GFIP. Through enhanced traffic flow and accessibility, it is projected that the project will contribute to economic growth to the tune of R15 billion.
25-4-2012
Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has encouraged motorists in Gauteng to cooperate ahead of the implementation of the freeway e-toll system, which goes live on 30 April.
"We would like to thank the people of Gauteng for their cooperation as we move towards the implementation of this critical project," Ndebele said, delivering his department's Budget Vote in the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has said that the system would still kick off on 30 April, despite the opposition from motorist, business, unions and a court challenge currently underway.
Ndebele noted that the implementation of the project was postponed to allow for further consultation and the subsequent intervention of R5.7 billion by the National Treasury to help SANRAL reduce its R20-billion debt incurred as a result of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
Both SANRAL and the government have emphasised that the benefits associated with the GFIP were substantial and include improved traffic flow, improved incident management and services. Improved accessibility in Gauteng, with reduced travel times, would boost the South African economy.
In August last year, Cabinet approved a decision to exempt the public transport sector - including taxis and buses - from paying e-tolls.
On Wednesday, Ndebele said government recognised that public transport users were among the lowest earning South Africans. "I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasize that no public transport vehicle will be expected to pay for the e-tolling tariffs."
The GFIP is one of SANRAL's largest projects to date. It comprises different phases to upgrade and implement new freeway networks. The e-road is the country's first multi-lane free-flow toll system using electronic toll covering 185 kilometres of road; the network now has wider freeways, with up to six lanes in each direction.
Phase 1, which comprises the upgrading of 185km of the most congested freeways in Gauteng, is nearing completion. Thirty-four interchanges have been and are still being significantly upgraded, including infamous interchanges such as Allandale, Rivonia, William Nicol, Gilloolys and Elands.
More than 20 000 jobs have been created for South Africans through the GFIP. Through enhanced traffic flow and accessibility, it is projected that the project will contribute to economic growth to the tune of R15 billion.
New e-toll proposal expected soon, says Mokonyane [21 February 2012]
21-2-2012
Pretoria - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane is hopeful that there will be a solution to the e-tolling uncertainty that will be in the best interests of all South Africans.
The e-tolling system in Gauteng was due to commence in February but it was placed on hold so that SANRAL could address the concerns and issues raised by the public in petitions submitted to the minister against the system.
At the time, SANRAL said it was exploring different modalities which it would present to the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, who would in turn present it to Cabinet.
On Tuesday, Mokonyane said that she had been consulted about the latest proposal by the team headed up by the Finance Minister.
She said the proposal was expected to be announced soon.
Mokonyane was also hopeful that Gauteng residents would understand that an investment had been made and what was due had to be paid.
"The most important thing is that we are committed to finding a solution that does not expose the integrity of the country."
Concerns regarding e-tolling had been noted and government was "quite certain" that it had found a solution in the best interest of the country and its people, she added.
Many Gauteng motorists had threatened to boycott the entire tolling system by refusing to pay the fees or register for their e-toll accounts to get their e-tags. Numerous petitions against the system were circulated to have the system halted.
Motorists complained about the unaffordability of toll tariffs, despite government reassessing them and making them cheaper. New tariffs were approved by Cabinet in August last year.
21-2-2012
Pretoria - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane is hopeful that there will be a solution to the e-tolling uncertainty that will be in the best interests of all South Africans.
The e-tolling system in Gauteng was due to commence in February but it was placed on hold so that SANRAL could address the concerns and issues raised by the public in petitions submitted to the minister against the system.
At the time, SANRAL said it was exploring different modalities which it would present to the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, who would in turn present it to Cabinet.
On Tuesday, Mokonyane said that she had been consulted about the latest proposal by the team headed up by the Finance Minister.
She said the proposal was expected to be announced soon.
Mokonyane was also hopeful that Gauteng residents would understand that an investment had been made and what was due had to be paid.
"The most important thing is that we are committed to finding a solution that does not expose the integrity of the country."
Concerns regarding e-tolling had been noted and government was "quite certain" that it had found a solution in the best interest of the country and its people, she added.
Many Gauteng motorists had threatened to boycott the entire tolling system by refusing to pay the fees or register for their e-toll accounts to get their e-tags. Numerous petitions against the system were circulated to have the system halted.
Motorists complained about the unaffordability of toll tariffs, despite government reassessing them and making them cheaper. New tariffs were approved by Cabinet in August last year.
Cabinet to appeal e-tolls interdict [17 May 2012]
17-5-2012
Pretoria - Cabinet has decided to appeal the court decision granting an interdict against e-tolling on Gauteng's main freeways.
"Cabinet has taken a decision to appeal the interim order to stop the e-tolling. Furthermore, government only received the written judgment late yesterday. Our lawyers are studying this judgment and will advise the executive in due course," Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi announced on Thursday.
The North Gauteng High Court granted an urgent interdict against e-tolling last month, placing the project on hold until a full review can take place. The system would have kicked off on 30 April.
Cabinet has since set up a Committee of Ministers, chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, to look at all aspects of the e-tolls, including the court decision, the implication of that decision, the implication on SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the ability to pay back the debt.
Manyi said that Cabinet had at its meeting this week, been briefed by the Committee on progress made on the work relating to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
"The Committee has reviewed all the facts and has directed that further work be done in certain areas. Cabinet has taken note of the comments made by the public and various organisations and expressed appreciation for the various views and solutions offered.
"Government will continue to consult the public and various organisations on the GFIP with a view to reaching a constructive outcome," said Manyi.
He said government had effected major improvements to Gauteng freeways under the first phase of the GFIP, which had brought about observable changes to the flow of traffic on these roads. He added that the benefits to motorists were evident.
However, he said in doing so Government had borrowed money and incurred a significant debt.
"As a country we need to demonstrate unequivocal commitment to meet all our contractual obligations, including repaying the debt incurred in the construction of GFIP. Defaulting on our debt is simply not an option," said Manyi.
He explained that Sanral was created by a democratic government and with its demonstrable capacity to manage large contracts and deliver world-class road infrastructure, it has proved to be a valuable institution of the state.
Manyi said government planned to use Sanral to build more road infrastructure faster, in the period ahead.
"Accordingly, in light of the delay in e-tolling as a result of the court decision, government will take the necessary steps to ensure Sanral's financial soundness pending the outcome of the legal and consultation processes."
He said the Committee was exploring interim measures to assist Sanral in meeting its financial obligations.
He reiterated Cabinet's commitment to the user pay principle and its decision on e-tolling as an efficient mechanism of collection.
17-5-2012
Pretoria - Cabinet has decided to appeal the court decision granting an interdict against e-tolling on Gauteng's main freeways.
"Cabinet has taken a decision to appeal the interim order to stop the e-tolling. Furthermore, government only received the written judgment late yesterday. Our lawyers are studying this judgment and will advise the executive in due course," Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi announced on Thursday.
The North Gauteng High Court granted an urgent interdict against e-tolling last month, placing the project on hold until a full review can take place. The system would have kicked off on 30 April.
Cabinet has since set up a Committee of Ministers, chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, to look at all aspects of the e-tolls, including the court decision, the implication of that decision, the implication on SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the ability to pay back the debt.
Manyi said that Cabinet had at its meeting this week, been briefed by the Committee on progress made on the work relating to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
"The Committee has reviewed all the facts and has directed that further work be done in certain areas. Cabinet has taken note of the comments made by the public and various organisations and expressed appreciation for the various views and solutions offered.
"Government will continue to consult the public and various organisations on the GFIP with a view to reaching a constructive outcome," said Manyi.
He said government had effected major improvements to Gauteng freeways under the first phase of the GFIP, which had brought about observable changes to the flow of traffic on these roads. He added that the benefits to motorists were evident.
However, he said in doing so Government had borrowed money and incurred a significant debt.
"As a country we need to demonstrate unequivocal commitment to meet all our contractual obligations, including repaying the debt incurred in the construction of GFIP. Defaulting on our debt is simply not an option," said Manyi.
He explained that Sanral was created by a democratic government and with its demonstrable capacity to manage large contracts and deliver world-class road infrastructure, it has proved to be a valuable institution of the state.
Manyi said government planned to use Sanral to build more road infrastructure faster, in the period ahead.
"Accordingly, in light of the delay in e-tolling as a result of the court decision, government will take the necessary steps to ensure Sanral's financial soundness pending the outcome of the legal and consultation processes."
He said the Committee was exploring interim measures to assist Sanral in meeting its financial obligations.
He reiterated Cabinet's commitment to the user pay principle and its decision on e-tolling as an efficient mechanism of collection.
E-toll registration 'quick and easy' [19 March 2012]
19-3-2012
Pretoria -Transport Department Director-General George Mahlalela has reiterated the call for Gauteng motorists to register for e-tolling, saying the process is quick and simple.
On Monday, Mahlalela led senior staff members of his department in registering for the e-tolling system and getting their e-tags ahead of the implementation of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme (GFIP).
Speaking to BuaNews after getting his e-tag, Mahlalela said: "The process is smooth, quick, simple and efficient, and I am now urging all Gauteng motorists to register their vehicles for the e-tolling system."
The e-tolling system will kick-off on 30 April.
The implementation of the system was halted in January after the public outcry over the tariffs. However, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in his budget speech a special approbation of R5.8 billion to reduce the toll burden on motorists.
Motorists can register for an e-toll account via:
e-toll customer service website - ww.sanral.co.za;
e-toll customer service kiosks located at various malls and along the freeway network;
e-toll call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725); and
buying an e-tag at conveniently located retail outlets (similar to a cell phone starter pack).
The full amount of the purchase price of an e-tag is credited to the road user's e-toll account upon registration, which means the e-tag is effectively free.
Road users will have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If they choose to do so, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
However, motorists who choose to have a pre-paid account can top-up their accounts through various payment channels including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time).
Road users can also top-up their accounts at dedicated e-toll customer service centres or kiosks.
The new fee structure will see drivers of e-tag vehicles pay 30 cents a kilometre, instead of 66 cents as originally planned.
There will also be a monthly cap of R550 for frequent users. In addition, there will be a 15 percent discount in the rates after their toll fees reach R400.
Drivers of motorcycles will pay 20 cents per kilometre and non-articulated and articulated trucks would pay 75 cents and R1.51 per kilometre respectively.
Heavy vehicles will qualify for a 20 percent discount if they use the roads during off-peak times in the day. Taxis and other public transport operators will be exempt from toll fees.
19-3-2012
Pretoria -Transport Department Director-General George Mahlalela has reiterated the call for Gauteng motorists to register for e-tolling, saying the process is quick and simple.
On Monday, Mahlalela led senior staff members of his department in registering for the e-tolling system and getting their e-tags ahead of the implementation of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme (GFIP).
Speaking to BuaNews after getting his e-tag, Mahlalela said: "The process is smooth, quick, simple and efficient, and I am now urging all Gauteng motorists to register their vehicles for the e-tolling system."
The e-tolling system will kick-off on 30 April.
The implementation of the system was halted in January after the public outcry over the tariffs. However, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in his budget speech a special approbation of R5.8 billion to reduce the toll burden on motorists.
Motorists can register for an e-toll account via:
e-toll customer service website - ww.sanral.co.za;
e-toll customer service kiosks located at various malls and along the freeway network;
e-toll call centre on 0800 SANRAL (726 725); and
buying an e-tag at conveniently located retail outlets (similar to a cell phone starter pack).
The full amount of the purchase price of an e-tag is credited to the road user's e-toll account upon registration, which means the e-tag is effectively free.
Road users will have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If they choose to do so, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
However, motorists who choose to have a pre-paid account can top-up their accounts through various payment channels including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time).
Road users can also top-up their accounts at dedicated e-toll customer service centres or kiosks.
The new fee structure will see drivers of e-tag vehicles pay 30 cents a kilometre, instead of 66 cents as originally planned.
There will also be a monthly cap of R550 for frequent users. In addition, there will be a 15 percent discount in the rates after their toll fees reach R400.
Drivers of motorcycles will pay 20 cents per kilometre and non-articulated and articulated trucks would pay 75 cents and R1.51 per kilometre respectively.
Heavy vehicles will qualify for a 20 percent discount if they use the roads during off-peak times in the day. Taxis and other public transport operators will be exempt from toll fees.
Implementation of e-tolls on hold until May [27 April 2012]
27-4-2012
Pretoria- The implementation of the e-tolling system has been postponed to next month, the Department of Transport has announced.
In a statement on Thursday, Director-General of the department, George Mahlalela, said that e-tolling, which was supposed to go live on Monday, has been postponed until 30 May.
This is to finalise regulations following input on regulatory and administrative issues from the public and interested stakeholders, said the department.
The system has received opposition from motorist, business and unions. There is currently a court challenge underway.
On Monday, National Treasury announced that it had filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the collection of tolls.
"Treasury's responsibilities in this regard derive from the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act," it said on Monday.
This comes after the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, South African Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, the Quadpara Association of South Africa and South African National Consumer Union brought an application for an interdict.
The application is against the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), the Ministers of Transport and Water and Environmental Affairs respectively; the Director-General of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs; Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, and the National Consumer Commission.
A decision on the court case is expected on Saturday morning.
27-4-2012
Pretoria- The implementation of the e-tolling system has been postponed to next month, the Department of Transport has announced.
In a statement on Thursday, Director-General of the department, George Mahlalela, said that e-tolling, which was supposed to go live on Monday, has been postponed until 30 May.
This is to finalise regulations following input on regulatory and administrative issues from the public and interested stakeholders, said the department.
The system has received opposition from motorist, business and unions. There is currently a court challenge underway.
On Monday, National Treasury announced that it had filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the collection of tolls.
"Treasury's responsibilities in this regard derive from the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act," it said on Monday.
This comes after the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, South African Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, the Quadpara Association of South Africa and South African National Consumer Union brought an application for an interdict.
The application is against the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral), the Ministers of Transport and Water and Environmental Affairs respectively; the Director-General of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs; Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, and the National Consumer Commission.
A decision on the court case is expected on Saturday morning.