The truth is that it simply can’t prosecute because the e-tolling billing system is in shambles. The regulations state that SANRAL has to issue invoices for road users to pay. Motorists qualify for a discount if they pay within seven days. This is where the problem comes in; invoices are only issued 40 or 50 days later, so no one is able to pay a discounted amount in the first place.
The minister’s announcement that the payment period has been extended to 51 days is a de facto admission by her that this system currently is a disaster.
But the story does not end there – what happens to all the bills issued in the last seven months since the system went live? Are these exonerated?
There’s been no clarity on these matters. It’s clear that the minister is trying to fix this system long after the system has been launched. I am asking the minister questions in this regard. The replies will no doubt be most interesting.
MANNY DE FREITAS
(Shadow Minister of Transport, Democratic Alliance – JHB)
