No e-Tolls for KZN yet, says government

Although national government has insisted that the controversial e-Tolling system is not headed for KwaZulu-Natal, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says differently.

Conflicting reports have been released regarding the installation of e-Tag lanes in KZN since a media round table briefing in Durban on May 21.

At the briefing Sanral executives stated e-Tag lanes would be installed at the Marianhill and Oribi Toll Plazas within six months, following which Sanral would evaluate installation throughout the rest of the province.

Spokesman Vusi Mona said e-Tolling would not be the mandatory payment method, adding that motorists would still have the option to pay manually by cash, petrol or debit card.

Sanral announced that KZN e-Tag lanes would have boom gates, unlike the Gauteng gantries.

“Drivers will slow down to 40kmph and allow their e-tag to be scanned before the boom gate will lift. If your e-tag payments are not up to date the boom gate will not lift,” said eastern regional manager Logashri Sewnarain.

However the national transport department has issued a statement saying no decision to implement e-Tolling in KZN was taken and any differing reports are untrue.

Minister Dipuo Peters said any decision to introduce any form of tolling in any part of the country can only be taken in consultation with authorities and other affected parties, including business and consumers.

“We are currently focused on resolving some of the challenges emanating from the introduction of electronic tolling in some parts of the Gauteng province. SANRAL and the service provider responsible for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project should continue to focus on resolving these current challenges.”

Two of Sanral’s biggest projects on the North Coast were also discussed.

According to Sanral improvements to the R110m N2/Ballito interchange are almost complete.

“The project has involved the construction of a bridge over the N2 with six through lanes and four ramps, two of which are loop ramps for ease of flow of traffic. A total of 89 local labourers were employed.”

The R407m widening of an 11km section of the N2 between the Tongaat Toll Plaza and the Umdloti interchange will be finished in November.

“From the Umdloti Interchange to the airport interchange, two lanes are being added on each carriageway. From the airport interchange to the Tongaat Toll Plaza, one lane is being added on each carriageway. The project includes the widening of various existing bridges, construction of a 5km median barrier wall between carriageways and street lighting over the full length of each carriageway. A total of 334 local labourers were employed.”