The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to explain why provincial traffic officials and South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) officials are demanding motorists produce e-tags at roadblocks on the province's highways.
DA member of the provincial legislature Ashor Sarupen says he has recently received a number of complaints from residents in his constituency who were asked to show their e-tags at a roadblock on the N12 East, at the Atlas Road off-ramp.
"The roadblock is manned by Gauteng Traffic Police and Sanral vehicles, and motorists were reportedly questioned as to why they did not have e-tags. Reports on social media indicate a similar roadblock on the N1 South at the Allandale off-ramp, in Midrand," says Sarupen.
He claims, on 22 July last year, Nkosi-Malobane was asked to explain the presence of Sanral officials at roadblocks, and says she responded that neither the agency nor its officials have any mandate at roadblocks, and that they only play a supportive role by providing advanced technology.
"The MEC further added that only Gauteng Traffic Police could stop vehicles and conduct general law enforcement, and denied any intimidation by Sanral or Gauteng Traffic Police to force motorists to buy e-tags.
"One does not commit an offence when not in possession of an e-tag, and MEC Nkosi-Malobane must explain why traffic officials are carrying out such tactics in conjunction with Sanral officials - when they have no mandate to do so," says Sarupen.
He notes the DA will write to the MEC requesting an investigation into the conduct of Gauteng traffic officials at these roadblocks.
Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona has denied any knowledge of Sanral or traffic officials asking motorists about their e-tags.
"We have been receiving these complaints throughout 2014 and our answer remains the same: Sanral is not a law enforcement agency; we build roads. The traffic authorities do not build roads, they are a law enforcement agency," he says, adding that people should become more informed about state agencies and their jurisdictions.
However, Mona adds it would be strictly illegal for traffic officials to ask about e-tags, as motorists are not required by law to be in possession of an e-tag. "We have previously encouraged motorists to report traffic officials who ask for e-tags, so that these claims can be investigated."
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