Suggestion: An e-Toll infrastructure

ALBERTON – I have read, with interest, the many articles in relation to the e-Tolling system, but none of them mention anything except either scrapping it or adding an additional fuel tax. Nothing is said about the fate of the silvery monsters spanning our freeways. I suppose they are to remain in place until the metal thieves find a way to “recycle” them without attracting the attention of the “Law” whilst disrupting the traffic.

I propose that, after e-Tolling has been scrapped without the addition of fuel taxes or toll booths, the whole e-Tolling infrastructure, including the debt, is handed over to the South African Police Service and the surplus SANRAL staff, including managers and ministers, made redundant without additional bonuses. The SAPS, or its substructures, could then use the system to:-

* Monitor speeding using the “average speed” method, as on the N3 in KZN;

* Identify stolen or wanted vehicles using the camera system;

* Track stolen or wanted vehicles 24 hours a day with automatic alerts when they are spotted;

* Pay off the debt with traffic violation fines;

* Reduce police corruption by automating traffic violation, fine determination and collection.

One additional benefit arising from the SAPS being in control of the system is that it would be in their interest to conduct a full forensic audit of the whole procurement system from its concept through planning to tendering, costing, procurement, budget control, etc., right up to the final handover. If any irregularities are found they, the SAPS, would be in the ideal position to redress the irregularities and, possibly, reduce the outstanding debt. I am sure the general public would welcome such a thorough audit and its findings.

A further running cost benefit would accrue from a reduction in the size of the revenue collection section, as not every car passing the gantries would require billing and follow up.

Looking further ahead, it might be possible to “print” a circuit, similar to those in passports, on the back of the road tax disc, which could be read by the e-tag system. The data transmitted just needs to be the licence date, to validate the licence, and the vehicle registration number. The optical system could then read the number plate. If it is in agreement, then nothing needs to be done, otherwise the mismatch is “flagged” for action. This should help collect funds for road maintenance.

The above are just some thoughts on a different approach to this difficult and unwanted scourge on our road system. They are not perfect but, if there is a will to implement such a system, I am sure there are people who are capable of “applying their minds” to find practical solutions.

G. Tucker