Gauteng motorists who have not registered for e-tolls will pay a punitive rate. Picture: Velempini Ndlovu
Gugu Myeni and Sapa
Gauteng motorists who have not registered for e-tolls will pay a punitive rate, South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) said on Monday.
"Users who do not register, or who do not have valid and operational e-tags and who do not pay within seven days will ultimately pay a significantly higher tariff," the SA National Roads Agency said in a statement.
Sanral said that the punitive fee will be R1.75c per kilometer compared to the standard rate of 30c per kilometer for registered users and e-tag holders.
The road agency described those who have not registered for e-tags or registered with Sanral as "alternate users.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has however accused Sanral and Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele for the lack of transparency in not communicating the new rates with the public.
"The DA is alarmed at the underhanded manner in which the National Minister of Transport, Sibusiso Ndebele, and Sanral has introduced a new punitive tariff for non-registered users," said the party's Gauteng transport spokesman Neil Campbell.
"The absolute arrogance and lack of transparent processes shown by SANRAL to the public throughout the whole toll introduction is abhorrent," Campbell said.
The DA and Sanral on Thursday met with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) following a complaint from the DA that the e-toll terms and conditions are unfair and not in public interest.
Sanral's tariffs have also received criticism from the general public including political parties and trade unions.
Cosatu held a protest on 6 March, calling for the halting of the Gauteng tolling system, which is expected to start operating on the 30 April.
Sanral has however called out to the SA public to not fall for "fear-mongering and false promises of organisations" with their own interests.
"Road users should not rely on the fear-mongering and false promises of organisations with their own peculiar vested interests who claim that they will be able to stop e-tolling forever," Sanral said in a statement.