Understanding the new dispensation: licence renewal

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The controversial e-toll policy for Gauteng road users has been recently amended by the e-toll advisory panel. The new dispensation for the e-toll implementation includes changes to tariffs, free gantry passes and reduction to monthly tariffs.

Residents have expressed some confusion with regards to what the implications of the new dispensation will be. One topic which has been contested by media and residents is the claim that licence renewals will not be issued to motorists who have outstanding e-toll charges.

According to answers given in the Frequently Asked Questions by SANRAL, the new dispensation will be rolled out in phases because changes will need to be made to legislation in order to implement it. The process is planned to take place over 18 months.

One change to regulations would be an attempt to prevent the issuing of licence discs if there are outstanding toll fees. According to the new dispensation, SANRAL and the Department of Transport have begun the administrative and legal processes as required by the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). The dispensation further states that once the legislative process has been finalised, motorists will be able to renew their licences but the licence disc will not be issued if there are outstanding fees.

Any draft regulation to be added existing legislation must be published for public comment before changes can be made according to section 75 of the National Road Traffic Act (1996).

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) state on their website that, “It is an absolute fallacy to suggest that cars cannot be re-licensed if they do not have an e-tag, as has been commented in the press of late. Comments of this nature may be considered as scare tactics to get road users tagged.”