The Department of Transport has clarified that motorists won’t be prosecuted for outstanding e-toll bills while authorities resolve inconsistencies in the system.
According to EyeWitness News, transport minister Dipuo Peters said she had urged the South African National Roads agency Limited (Sanral) not to proceed with any plans with the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute light vehicle motorists.
The news agency quoted Peters as saying, “For now, no one will be prosecuted because remember this is the first year. We must still look into the challenges.”
Peters said more time was needed to iron out e-tolling related problems.
Earlier this week, the NPA revealed that it had appointed two prosecutors to consult with the roads agency regarding e-toll defaulters.
The announcement was met with fierce criticism as well as calls for clarity on what processes would follow.