Home PodcastJulie Alli E-toll system scrapped but sneaky bills continue their joyride

E-toll system scrapped but sneaky bills continue their joyride

by Luqmaan Rawat
While the e-toll system is shutdown, motorists still receive bills Photo Business Tech

Gauteng – The discontinuation of the e-toll system has been a prolonged and complicated process. Despite initial promises of its termination, the gantries remain active, charging motorists and leaving them uncertain about their obligations. 

It has been eight months since Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi declared the e-toll system would be shut down. However, there appears to be no concrete plan on what to do or how to go about shutting off the system.  The administration of the e-toll system, which has always been problematic, has led to this problem and its failure, said Adv. Stefanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability and Public Governance Division at OUTA.

“So, although Premier Lesufi has said e-tolls are no more and everybody agreed that not only Gauteng, but Treasury will also give some money over to SANRAL in order to pay for the bills, the switching off of the gantries hasn’t happened. We had discussions with SANRAL saying that the finances need to be sorted out before a regulation saying that it’s no longer a toll road and they will switch off the toll.”

 

The financial burden of the e-toll system

The e-toll system’s financial burden has been a significant point of contention. The exorbitant costs associated with the system, including the upgrades and bonds taken out by SANRAL, have placed a heavy burden on taxpayers. However, Fick gave some good news to motorists that they would not be prosecuted if they encountered bills from the e-toll.

“SANRAL, the board has made a decision that they will not prosecute debt … They said way back they will never charge someone criminally and the civil sort of suing you for the debt has also stopped. So, it’s only those letters of demands and you are more than welcome to ignore them.”

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Repurposing the gantries and motorists being refunded

The repurposing of the gantries presents a potential solution to the ongoing problem. By exploring alternative uses for the infrastructure, such as installing speed cameras, the gantries could generate revenue and contribute to the maintenance costs.

“The repurposing of the gantries is very. If they start repurposing those gantries, maybe if not the money but is law enforcement. We all know the state our law enforcement is in. Although I don’t think the gantries will save them necessarily. It is a step in the right direction.”

Those who diligently paid their e-toll fees are understandably concerned about the possibility of refunds. While the chances of receiving a refund are slim, the administrative challenges of processing reimbursements make the situation even more complex.

“Firstly, they had a choice and they decided to pay, and you live by the sword, die by the sword type of thing. If SANRAL can give them back their money, that would be a good thing. The only problem is that administratively, this will be a nightmare. You can imagine that some of your bigger companies like Avis, your rental companies, didn’t pay for e-tolls, they passed it onto their customers. So, if you are talking about refunds, they will be refunded and then they will have to refund their customers.”

The discontinuation of the e-toll system has faced numerous challenges, from administrative issues to corruption and public distrust. The delayed shutdown of gantries and the lack of concrete plans have left motorists uncertain about their obligations. However, advocacy efforts continue to fight for motorists’ rights and push for accountability. Moving forward, it is crucial.

 

Adv. Stefanie Fick engaged with Julie Alli delving into the depths of corruption embedded within the e-toll system while also focusing on the system’s failure and why the collapse of e-tolls may ultimately be a positive outcome for South Africa. Listen to that discussion here:

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