The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has condemned rumours claiming that it will gain uncontrolled access to bank accounts of people who register for Gauteng e-tolling. “What these rumour-mongers know but are not telling the public is that the credit card-linked e-toll account is not the only payment option available for Gauteng e-road users,” a spokesman said.
“If they prefer not to use the automated credit card payment option, road users can opt for the pre-paid e-toll account, which works in the same way as a pre-paid cell phone account. With this option, road users can top up their e-toll account either by visiting an e-toll customer service outlet or via electronic funds transfer (EFT). In both cases road users are not required to provide their banking details,” Sanral said.
Even with the automated credit card payment system, account holders regulate their account by setting pre-determined top-up threshold levels, the spokesman explained. “This form of managing automated payments is already widely in use by other organisations. Road users also decide in advance by how much their e-toll account should be topped up. Sanral does not determine these levels.”
As announced by Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, the tariffs for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) have been reduced to 30c per kilometre for light motor vehicles with an e-tag. To further reduce the impact of the toll tariffs on consumers, the maximum toll fees light motor vehicle users will pay has been capped at R550 per month, and there are also frequent use discounts and time of day discounts. Tolling is scheduled to commence on 30 April and registration is still open for road users who choose to be e-toll compliant.
