The party claims that Gauteng motorists have been “harassed and unfairly billed” by the South African National Roads Agency for months.
Based on sections of the National Consumer Act, the DA seeks relief from the National Consumer Commission by means of a cease and desist order against the roads agency, as well a referral to the Consumer Court where a court order may be obtained which includes awarding damages to those motorists unfairly billed by e-tolling.
The most common complaints were motorists not receiving invoices, incorrect amounts for actual travel and bills being sent to people who had not travelled recently.
According to the party, this was an indication that the billing system was not working.
“We believe through the e-toll billing crisis, Sanral has violated sections 26 [sales records] and 40 [unconscionable conduct] of the Consumer Protection Act,” Mmusi Maimane, DA’s candidate for Premier said.
The DA further provided examples of complaints that illustrated the “total dysfunctionality” of e-tolling.
These included a small business owner with just six vehicles receiving an e-toll bill for R680 000, complainants receiving threats that they have committed an offence and will be stopped by the Toll Road Enforcement Unit, and motorists from other provinces receiving multiple invoices for numerous vehicles that they do not own.
Additionally, the DA noted that employees of National Treasury and City of Joburg, departments which are in strong support of e-tolling, were among the complainants.
