Outrage at new e-toll dispensation
Even though government has dramatically reduced the e-toll fees, many are still against the new dispensation announced by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.
The linking e-toll payments to the renewal of vehicle licences have been widely condemned.
It would have unintended negative consequences, warned the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA).
“We believe this action will spawn a whole new illegal licence discs and number plate industry in South Africa. It will also force many road users to drive unlicensed vehicles,” said OUTA.
Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the new e-roll dispensation on Wednesday, saying that those who refused to pay their e-toll fees would not be able to renew their licence discs.
Another anti-tolling group calling itself 1 Million Motorists Refuse to Pay E-tolls also condemned the linking of e-toll payments to the renewal of vehicle licences.
A member, Robyn Abrahams, wrote on Facebook: “Don’t feel scared. It is not legal. Don’t let them intimidate you into paying. Say NO to paying! Keep watching the news and know your rights!”
Another member, David Forbes: “It is illegal to withhold a license for non-payment of e-tolls or traffic fines. Read the law, don’t listen to the rumours.”
Former Congress of SA Trade Unions secretary general took to his Twitter page and said: “Had thought the condition of getting the car licences is that the car is in good condition not because it’s owners pays e-tolls.
“I think this trick of using car license to force us to pay e-tolls must be challenged in court – will convene civil society summit soonest.”
Ramaphosa said motorists would be paying at least 50% less on their e-toll bill as the capped fee was reduced to R225 for light vehicles as opposed to the previous R450.
The tariff per kilometre for light vehicles had also gone down from 58c to 30c.
This fee applies to all motorists, whether they had a registered e-tag or not.
Infrequent users would be exempted if they drive through 30 gantries or fewer per year.
Motorcyclists would pay a reduced monthly fee of R125 from R250 while medium heavy vehicles would see their bill going down to R875 from the previous fee of R1 750.
Justice Project South African (JPSA) said the changes announced on Wednesday would have to be written as an amendment and published for public comment.
“Interested parties will then have 30 days from the time of publication of that government gazette to make written representations to the department of transport,” said CEO Howard Dembovsky.
He said even if the proposed amendment was constitutionally passed, it might not have the desired effect of forcing people to pay their outstanding e-toll bills.
“It is indeed a pity that government has insisted on persisting with trying to make what is already demonstrated itself to be a failed and unworkable system, which is additionally enormously unpopular and entirely inappropriate for South Africa to work.”
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
