Conflicting messages for e-toll

It was reported that Sanral had approached the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in a move to compel e-toll defaulters to pay. First we heard non-paying motorists would be prosecuted, then we were told NPA prosecutors were mandated to see if there was a possibility of prosecuting these motorists. Now, Peters has been quoted by the media as saying these motorists will not be prosecuted as glitches in the system still needed to be ironed out.

From the outset, it looks as if Makhura, Peters and Sanral are not on the same page, and are sending out conflicting messages.

While it seems as if government is, to say the least, a bit confused, I can just imagine how confusing this whole saga must be to the average motorist… Do we start paying e-tolls to avoid being prosecuted and getting a criminal record – or do we wait to hear what the new e-tolling committee decides?

One thing is for sure, the majority of motorists have spoken and their message has been heard loud and clear. They do not want e-tolls and many have refused to give into Sanral’s threats in the past. I wonder if this new threat will be treated any differently?

One also has to wonder if the premier’s office has simply set up a consultation process to keep motorists happy? I have been to numerous public consultations in the past, and have been told by leaders that the process was simply put in place so residents felt as though they played a part. I really hope this is not the case with the new e-tolling committee.

If the e-tolling system is scrapped, Sanral and government would find themselves in an extremely difficult situation. How would they manage to refund all those law abiding motorists who have been paying for their e-tolls?

However, that is not a problem motorists should have to worry about. If proper consultations with the public and stakeholders had taken place from the beginning, we would not be in this mess.