E-TOLLING NOT DEPENDENT ON AARTO

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has noted with concern another attempt by the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng to mislead the South African public with regards to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

Earlier today DA Gauteng leader Mmusi Maimane released a statement in which he claimed that E-tolling in Gauteng is doomed as a result of shortcomings in the implementation of fine collection under the AARTO Act.

E-toll collection and the enforcement of fines for failing to pay e-tolls are not governed by the AARTO Act but rather by the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).

"The fact is that we will commence tolling by using the Criminal Procedures Act as the legislative framework," says SANRAL spokesman Vusi Mona. "We have a process in place which will help us manage non-compliance in terms of e-tolling. Once we have exhausted this process a summons will be issued under the CPA."

Mona says SANRAL has a very clear enforcement strategy in place.

"Mobile enforcement units with traffic officers will be stationed at on- and off- ramps, as well as roaming the Gauteng e-roads, for the enforcement of outstanding infringements," he says.

He adds that SANRAL is disturbed by the stance which has been taken by the DA.

"SANRAL also notes with concern that Mr Maimane has stated that - should he be elected - he will use his position as Premier of Gauteng to stop e-tolling. We suspect he does not understand that at the end of the day, e-tolling is simply an electronic method of paying one's toll fees. We do hope Mr Maimane does not intend to put up toll plazas in the middle of a busy highway," concludes Mona.

Statement issued by SANRAL, August 29 2013

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