Changes on the cards for e-toll system

DETAILS of a new dispensation for the users of the Gauteng freeway network were announced earlier today by deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Described as fair, affordable and sustainable, the new dispensation is the product of extensive engagement between national government and the province of Gauteng, and has been approved by cabinet.

Ramaphosa said, “The implementation of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and e-tolls have benefited the economy and the people of Gauteng through a better quality road system, reduced travel time, improved fuel efficiency, reduced vehicle operating costs and improved logistics efficiencies.

“It was, however, found that in its current form the e-toll system placed a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income households.”

To ensure the e-toll system is equitable, affordable, sustainable and more efficient, cabinet has approved the following major improvements:

Public transport remains exempted. This applies to buses and taxis with operating permits. A single, reduced tariff will apply to all motorists. The current standard tariff of 58c per kilometre for light motor vehicles will be reduced to 30c per kilometre. This single tariff will apply to all motorists within a vehicle class whether they have an e-tag or not.

The monthly cap has been dramatically reduced. Users of light motor vehicles will not pay more than R225 a month. This is half the current monthly cap of R450 a month. Revised caps will also be introduced for other vehicle classes.

There will be no charge for infrequent users who make less than 30 gantry passes a year. If a user exceeds 30 gantry passes in a 12-month period, they will be liable for the usual charges.

E-toll fees that are currently outstanding will be discounted by 60 per cent. Users will have six months to settle their debts dating back to December 2013 at the discounted tariff. This does not disadvantage users who have been paying e-tolls all along.

There will be a monthly cap on the penalty for accounts in arrears. All users who do not pay tolls within the required 30 days will be obliged to pay double the toll tariff. To protect users from incurring high amounts of debt, this will be capped. In the case of light motor vehicles, for example, the monthly cap for accounts in arrears will be R450.

Settlement of e-toll fees will be linked to motor vehicle licence renewal. To further simplify the process and ensure better integration of road management systems, motorists will need to settle any outstanding e-toll fees before vehicle licence discs are issued.

More payment options and a simplified administration system are being introduced. Alongside a substantial decrease in the cost to users, the new dispensation will integrate existing information systems to improve ease of use, accuracy of information and coordination between different agencies. This will make it easier for vehicle owners to pay their toll fees at different points. These will include SANRAL kiosks, Post Offices, provincial licensing offices, retailers, vehicle dealerships and online.

The significant reduction in tariffs and the new monthly caps will result in an annual estimated shortfall of R390-million in revenue to service the debt. This shortfall will be shared between national government and the Gauteng provincial government.

The new cap and revised tariffs will be implemented in the next two to three months. Timelines for implementation for the rest of the changes are dependent on legal and regulatory processes.