Questions over e-toll prosecution
The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) has asked Sanral for clarity on its plans to prosecute Gauteng road users who do not pay e-tolls.
Gauteng premier David Makhura announced last week that they will set up a special panel to review the impact of e-tolls on the province.
According to the premiere, this would be done in consultation with national government, municipalities and all sectors of the society.
This, Outa said, gives hope that the adversarialism and controversy over e-tolling could at last give way to inclusivity and constructive engagement – a necessary means to resolving the impasse.
“We cannot fight and talk at the same time. Society’s backlash and resistance comes as a result of Sanral’s lack of transparency, mistruths and continued psychological ‘lawfare’, which seeks to induce motorists to buy e-tags and pay their e-toll bills” said Outa Chairman Wayne Duvenage.
“However, seven month after the launch, and despite an expensive marketing campaign and intimidation tactics, more people remain defiant and are not paying their e-toll bills than those who are, and most of those who are tagged have done so reluctantly.”
Outa added that Sanral’s silence regarding the premier’s panel announcement “speaks volumes”. It is Outa’s opinion that Sanral may not be in support of this plan.
“Outa also has reason to believe that Sanral is planning to have the prosecuting authorities issue summons to a handful of “violators” who have not paid their e-toll bills, in an attempt to seek a successful prosecution for non-payment,” Duvenhage said.
“This ‘stick’ approach follows on from Sanral’s recent discounts offered to entice greater compliance, a tactic that has produced very little success,” he said.
“A decision to prosecute non-payers will be their final ‘role of the e-toll dice’, in an attempt to induce greater compliance.”
Outa expressed concern that any attempts by Sanral to proceed with prosecuting freeway users could derail the new engagement initiative by Premier Makhura.
Outa called on Sanral to respond by indicating to society if it will suspend any plans that it (or the NPA) may have to prosecute freeway users who have not paid their e-toll bills, until the outcome of the premier’s initiative is concluded.
“Failing a concise message from Sanral in this regard, Outa will have no alternative but to commence with its fund raising campaign so as to ensure any attempt to criminally prosecute a freeway user is defended by the best available lawyers,” said Duvenhage.
Sanral was asked for comment on Makhura’s announcement, but it would not provide any feedback. Instead it referred MyBroadband to the Department of Transport.
More on e-tolls
Sanral threatening motorists over e-tolls
Loading ...