E-toll is here to stay.
Since the gantries were switched on in December 2013, many Gauteng motorists have refused to pay their e-tolls.
But, today Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa ended months of speculation on where are not the system would be scraped, when he announced a new model for e-tolls.
The proposed e-toll model will see most costs for consumers halved, making it more affordable for all.
“A single reduced tariff will apply to all motorists and the current standard tariff of 50 cents for light motor vehicles per kilometre will be reduced to 30 cents per kilometre,” said Ramaphosa.
The monthly cap has also been reduced from R450 to R225 a month.
“The single tariff will apply to all motorists within a vehicle class whether they have an e-tag or not,” he continued.
But, motorists will have to pay up if they haven’t yet done so.
“Motorists will have to settle any outstanding fees before vehicle licenses are issued.”
However, motorists will be given a 60 per cent discount and six months to pay their outstanding fees.
Users will also benefit from 30 free gantry passes a year.
But the new dispensation will present an annual estimated shortfall of R390 million in revenue for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
This shortfall will be shared between national government and the Gauteng province.
Public transport, including buses and taxis (which have permits) will remain exempted.
Ramaphosa said the new dispensation will be implemented in phases, with a revised cap to be implemented in the next two to three months.
To read the full statement by Ramaphosa on the dispensation model for e-tolls, here.
What are your thoughts on Ramaphosa’s future plans for Gauteng’s e-toll system?
