Live testing of the e-tolling system has begun, but the final implementation date is unclear.
Live testing of the system was set for the end of March, with final implementation scheduled for 23 June. The Department of Transport (DOT) previously said these dates may be delayed if the need arises.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) says the testing of the e-toll system is a phased process and divided into different types of testing. Some of these tests included the registration, financial and e-tag functionality.
It adds that the live testing, which involves the testing of the toll transaction generated for road users that are not registered or don't have an e-tag has commenced as scheduled.
“The test will involve the photographing of number plates from the front and the back, the generation of a transaction and then the linking of the vehicle details to eNatis and a third-party database.”
E-tolling is an open road, multi-lane toll infrastructure that allows for tolls to be charged without drivers having to stop. There are no physical booths.
Controversy surrounding the e-tolling costs to motorists has halted the proposed tariffs from being implemented and these are currently under review.
The toll tariffs were initially gazetted at 66c/km for standard light motor vehicles, and R3.96/km for heavy vehicles. However, large-scale public outrage resulted in the fees being suspended and consultation processes were started by the DOT.
In response to a Parliamentary question this week, transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the estimated monthly revenue from tolling based on current traffic flow and the proposed fee of 66c/km is R300 million per month.
Implementation unknown
Although the live testing started on schedule, neither Sanral nor the DOT can confirm if the initial implementation date of 23 June still stands.
“In view of the consultative process currently undertaken by the Department of Transport, Sanral is unable to comment on the toll commencement date,” says the agency.
Deputy director of media relations at the DOT Sam Monareng says the outcome of the consultations will determine how the process will unfold.
Sanral adds that a total of 37 of the 42 gantries for the e-toll system have been erected so far.
More questions
The DOT's steering committee on e-tolling began public consultations last week.
Monareng says there have been a lot of submissions from the public. “More than anything, the submissions were about the fees and financial modelling. A lot of the submissions were also about alternative public transport options.”
The steering committee is charged with reviewing the financial assumptions underpinning the current proposed tariff structure.
Apart from the fee structure, some questions still remain around whether the department will have the capacity to deal with unregistered vehicles, non-payment by motorists and fraudulent number plates.
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