“Alternate users” of the e-toll system will pay a significantly higher tariff that is determined at three times the standard tariff, and the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) says this is justified.
This information was laid out in Government Gazette Volume 562, no 35263, on Friday, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) says the concept of an “alternate user” is introduced for the first time.
In the gazette, Sanral describes five different types of e-toll users, where previously users were only outlined as those with and those without e-tags.
New category
The first type of user is the one that has an e-tag and is registered for e-tolling, the second is a user who has an e-tag, but has not registered for the system, and the third is a vehicle licence number (VLN) user who registers for the system, but does not have an e-tag.
The fourth type of user is the one who does not qualify for any other category. Also, e-tag and VLN users are qualified as alternate if there aren't sufficient funds in their accounts at the time of the transaction.
Applicable discounts
The gazette says an alternate user who pays within the grace period of seven days is entitled to a discount.
So if the user falls within the e-tag or VLN categories, but does not meet the criteria at the time of the e-toll transaction due to insufficient funds, they will pay the normal fee for their category if they pay within the grace period.
Time of day and frequent user discounts also apply to alternate users who pay within that period. However, the cap of R550 for standard vehicles does not apply to alternate users.
Running scared
DA Gauteng transport spokesperson Neil Campbell says the “underhanded” manner in which transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele and Sanral introduced the new “punitive tariff” for non-registered users is alarming.
“Sanral previously set a R0.58 per kilometre rate (the standard rate without an e-tag) and a R0.30 per kilometre rate for registered e-tag users (the discount rate). Now “alternate users” will pay a R1.75 punitive rate, which is nearly six times higher than the discounted rate. This new rate has been introduced without ever having been discussed with any affected body or the public.
“The absolute arrogance and lack of transparent processes shown by Sanral to the public throughout the whole toll introduction is abhorrent. Sanral has to be running scared to resort to such underhanded tactics and is now facing unprecedented consumer protest by people refusing to register their vehicles.”
Campbell has called on National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala to thoroughly investigate the new penalty tariff.
Fear mongering
However, Sanral says the DA's interpretation of the alternate user is designed to sabotage the e-toll system.
“What the DA fails to point out is that the 'alternate user' is, in fact, quite entitled to pay the standard tariff, if he or she pays within the grace period. Users who do not register, or who do not have valid and operational e-tags and who do not pay within seven days will, indeed, ultimately pay a significantly higher tariff.
“This alternate user tariff is determined at three times the standard tariff. The reason for this is the added costs associated with contacting the users by means of invoicing, debt collection and costs associated with recovering payment.”
The agency adds that paying users should not pay higher costs to cover those who choose not to pay. “As per Sanral's governing legislation, it has long been an offence not to pay toll fees and the status quo is retained. Going back at least a year, Sanral issued news releases and statements saying, among other things, that: 'The non-payment of toll tariff will result in additional costs such as the levying of administrative fees, fines and/or prosecution in terms of applicable legislation'.”
The agency urges road users to do what is necessary for them to pay the least amount possible in e-toll fees. “By continually encouraging users not to register, it is actually the DA that is going to end up costing road users significantly more than they could otherwise have been paying. Sanral's view is that road users should not rely on the fear-mongering and false promises of organisations with their own peculiar vested interests who claim that they will be able to stop e-tolling forever.”
Test now
However, the Justice Project SA (JPSA) says now, more than ever, is “the time for Gauteng motorists to stand firm and refuse to be intimidated by the bullies in government who seem to be under the impression that they can make economic hardships economic impossibilities”.
“Just when we thought that the Department of Transport and Sanral could not get any more devious, they have surprised us all with their latest effort to force motorists to buy e-tags.”
The system is set to become operational on 30 April and live end-to-end testing of the billing system for the e-toll roads has begun.
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