Leaders should lead, not mislead, on e-toll bank account issue, says SANRAL
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has noted with concern untruths being propagated by some political and civil organisation leaders trying to gather support for their grievances around e-tolling.
Leaders of various organisations have been repeatedly quoted in the media telling their members that SANRAL will gain uncontrolled access to their bank accounts if they register for Gauteng e-tolling. What these leaders know but are not telling their members and the public is that the credit card-linked e-toll account is not the only payment option available for Gauteng e-road users.
If they do not prefer 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.
Even with the automated credit card payment system, account holders regulate their account by setting pre-determined top-up threshold levels. This form of managing automated payments is already widely in use by other organisations. Road users also decide in advance how much their e-toll account should be topped up by. SANRAL does not determine these levels.
All organisations making false claims about "access to bank accounts" have this information because it was provided in the numerous consultation sessions they have been part of. They should explain why they have decided to keep it from their members. Furthermore, if they claim to be on the side of poor road users and workers, they should also explain why they are willing to threaten the livelihood of approximately 1 200 South Africans, and their families, who would be out of a job if the e-toll system was to be scrapped.
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 discount 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 complaint. The e-toll call centre is also still operational and road users can call 0800 SANRAL (726 725) if they have any queries.
Statement issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited, March 8 2012
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