SANRAL begins issuing e-toll summonses
The agency announced on Monday that the first set of civil summonses is being delivered to individuals by Sheriffs in different jurisdictions in Gauteng.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) says road users who have refused to settle their e-toll debt may receive civil summonses over the next few days.
The agency announced on Monday that the first set of civil summonses is being delivered to individuals by Sheriffs in different jurisdictions in Gauteng.
“The summonses will also include higher value summonses of mostly companies. Due to the amount owed in these cases, the summons has to be managed by the High Court,” said Alex van Niekerk, Project Manager for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.
He said the decision to issue summonses comes “at the end of an extensive period of communications between SANRAL and vehicle owners who neglected to pay outstanding debts – it is a natural conclusion to the process”.
Since the introduction of the 60% discount of e-toll debt in November 2015 SANRAL said it will introduce a process of debt collection against serial defaulters.
The Electronic Toll Collection company (ETC), who run the system on behalf of SANRAL, have reiterated this in the media as well as directly to individuals through phone calls, e-mails and SMS messages.
“SANRAL has a responsibility towards the country and the thousands of compliant vehicle owners who regularly pay their e-toll accounts to recover the outstanding debt from defaulters.
“We have an obligation to act. The global ratings agencies and the investment community are also looking towards SANRAL and expect from us to demonstrate our commitment to financial responsibility and high standards of corporate governance,” said Van Niekerk.
He said a civil summons must not be confused with criminal proceedings. – SAnews.gov.za
