The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says that less than 20% of defaulting road users contacted for collection of e-toll bills, flatly refuse to pay.<\/p>\n
The road agency said that there is little more than a month to go before the current 60% reduction offer on historic e-toll debt expires.<\/p>\n
This once-off discount applies to all unpaid e-tolls levied on the inner-Gauteng highways since it was implemented on 3 December 2013 and 31 August 2015.<\/p>\n
Sanral spokesperson, Vusi Mona said that the response to the discount offer ‘has so far been encouraging’, as has the steadily increasing number of road users who are paying their e-toll accounts.<\/p>\n
Mona warned that no extension will be granted to motorists after April.<\/p>\n
He said that the success of the 60% discount can only reasonably be gauged after the discount period ends, as many are waiting until the last minute to take up the offer.<\/p>\n
He noted that some people and businesses have indicated that they are delaying payment for as long as possible in order for them to ‘earn’ interest on the money.<\/p>\n
“Making definitive statements about the success or failure of the project at this time would be like wishing on a star \u2013 it may make you feel better, but it ultimately means nothing,” Mona said.<\/p>\n
Sanral said that road users are currently paying R80 million to R90 million in e-toll revenue per month, up from R60 million in August\/September last year. “Though this is lower than earlier projections, we are encouraged by the upward trend. Slow and steady wins the race,” said Mona.<\/p>\n
Sanral, like other parastatals and government agencies and departments, must demonstrate its commitment to collect outstanding debt as required in terms of the law, the road agency said.<\/p>\n
“Although everyone, including those opposed to the system and non-payers, has express concern about the impact of a downgrade of the sovereign and individual credit ratings, they fail to see the direct role their actions have on ratings, Mona said.<\/p>\n
Sanral pointed out that ratings agency Moody\u2019s has stated that a downgrade in Sanral\u2019s ratings could happen because: \u2018An inability to effectively enforce e-toll payments, leading to deteriorating cash flows and increased borrowing needs, would apply downward rating pressure\u2019.<\/p>\n
“This is the very reason why we are now summonsing those who owe e-tolls. It is distressing and need not have happened. The perception that e-tolls are prohibitively expensive is not based on fact. Government has addressed the issue of affordability by reducing the monthly caps and offering a 60% discount on the historic debt,” Mona said.<\/p>\n
Sanral pointed out that if motorists are registered \u2013 do not have to have a tag \u2013 their monthly fees are capped at R236 \u2013 this is for light motor vehicle.<\/p>\n
“Our research has shown that 78% of light motor vehicles will pay less than R100 a month with 44% of those paying less than R25 a month. It is only if you are not tagged or registered, and you don\u2019t pay within 30 days of going under the gantry, that the costs increase,” said Mona.<\/p>\n
Not paying e-tolls? Sanral is coming for you<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Sanral threatening motorists via SMS over e-toll fees \u2013 Outa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n New e-toll changes \u2018positive for motorists\u2019: Sanral<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n