Sanral public e-toll balance check removed
A “feature” on the Sanral website that lets anyone on the Internet check the outstanding E-toll fees owed by any vehicle, without registering with the agency, appears to have been patched out.
Previously it was possible to visit a page on the Sanral website, then reload the URL to that page (by pasting it into browser’s address bar, for example) to access a portal the lets you check outstanding balances by entering a license plate number.
The URL to check outstanding E-toll fees was:
https://www.sanral.co.za/e-toll/portal/PayTollFeesUnregisteredUsers.aspx
Barack Obama’s e-toll bill (image credit – Ivan Leon)
When asked about the possible privacy implications of having such a feature, Sanral dismissed concerns and said it was within the law.
“Sanral is of the view that the current system provided on Sanral’s website which allows users to access outstanding amounts owed for a 7 day period, by entering their vehicle licence number does not constitute a violation of privacy in terms of legislation relating to privacy and protection of data,” a spokesperson told MyBroadband.
However, as MyBroadband members discovered on the morning of Friday, 13 December 2013, the controversial feature was no longer accessible.
Sanral was asked for feedback on this change but was not immediately able to provide comment.
Update: Vusi Mona, general manager of communications at Sanral has provided the following statement.
SANRAL is still of the view that the online system provided on its website which allowed non-registered users to view and pay the outstanding amount of their e-toll transactions by entering their vehicle licence plate number did not constitute a violation of privacy in terms of legislation relating to privacy and protection of data.
The portal only provided an outstanding amount for the 7-day period, prior to the query raised online for the specific vehicle licence plate number. It gave no specific transaction details, vehicle images, route information or contact details – only an outstanding amount.
The portal provided an easy way for road users travelling on the Gauteng e-roads but are not registered to establish the amount due and to allow for a secure payment through an online e-commerce gateway.
However, due to the misinformation and concerns raised about this electronic option, SANRAL has decided to disable it until a login functionality can be implemented.
More Sanral and E-toll news
No e-toll website privacy violation: Sanral
Sanral website exposing your e-toll bills a problem: lawyer
Check your outstanding e-toll bill online
Loading ...