N3TC has informed me that the concerns relating to the Gauteng Freeway e-tolls that were raised as a concern with regard to the e-toll/Tag system that is to be introduced on the N3 have been taken into consideration.

Linking the Local User Concessions to SANRAL’s Transaction Clearing House (TCH) would indeed result in any funds paid by a motorist, who qualifies for a concession, into their TCH accounts being allocated to clear any e-toll fees that may have accumulated by such motorists who have used any roads where e-tolls operate such as the Gauteng Freeways.

However this would not apply to e-tolls accumulated longer than 30 days prior, they would apply to e-tolls accumulated in any current and 30 day period.

N3TC have therefore agreed that until the disputes over the Gauteng Freeway e-tolls have been resolved, the existing Concession Card system will NOT be discontinued as was originally planned.

I have expressed my thanks to the N3TC management. The Tag system is clearly a more efficient system both for motorists and for the administrators of the toll system.

This is because, amongst other advantages, the Tag system enables motorists to pass through toll gates without having to stop to make payment. However there may be motorists who choose not to switch to the Tag system until the disputes over the Gauteng Freeway e-tolls are resolved.

Alf Lees MP
Shadow Deputy Minister of Finance
Democratic Alliance