EMM seeks clarity on R1.8-m e-toll bill
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is in discussion with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), to get clarity on why they owe R1.8-million in outstanding e-tolls.
Manny de Freitas, a DA MP, obtained the figure in a DA parliamentary question about how much Gauteng municipalities owe Sanral.
The DA said the City of Tshwane owes R351 644 and the Emfuleni Local Municipality owes R127 685.
EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the preliminary indication is that the outstanding amount relates to EMM buses.
He explained that the buses are now in the process of being registered for e-tolls – which is a requirement of Sanral – despite these vehicles being exempt from incurring e-toll fees.
Gadebe said the buses are exempt because:
- they provide a service in terms of a subsidised government contract;
- they are providing scheduled services, transporting commuters on a daily basis to and from work;
- they have an operating licence indicating that they are transporting commuters.
He said the the buses were not registered previously due to a “confusion in the process”.
“The EMM has registered all vehicles determined by the various departments that travel through the e-toll gantries and has issued the e-tags for all registered vehicles,” he added.
“…We have also registered all of our emergency vehicles and Metro Police vehicles, which are also exempted from e-tolls.”
