Car rental company, Avis says it supports the upgrading of the Gauteng freeways – but does not support e-tolls as the best funding mechanism to do it.<\/p>\n
Avis issued a statement to clarify “confusion” some media outlets had reported on, in saying that the company supported e-tolls.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately some media incorrectly reported that Avis, by supporting GFIP upgrades, also supports the implementation of e-tolls as the funding mechanism.”<\/p>\n
“This view is incorrect. We believe that there are more effective and efficient funding mechanisms than the currently proposed e-Toll model,” the company said.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, 26 November, Avis detailed how it would go about charging customers for rentals with the additional costs incurred from e-tolls.<\/p>\n
E-toll fees incurred by its customers during the rental period would be included in their final invoice, with a final invoice available only two days after the vehicle was returned – highlighting the total e-toll amount, the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAvis will charge the standard e-toll tariff, per e-toll gantry, to a monthly maximum value of R450 as published in the Government Gazette,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Avis joins the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) in toeing a difficult line between opposing the controversial e-toll system, while still submitting to it in order to avoid hefty fees and legal issues.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday (27 November) Sacci CEO Neren Rau accused Sanral of twisting the organisation’s stance on e-tolls after the chamber head advised members to abide by the e-toll laws.<\/p>\n
Sanral spokesman Vusi Mona subsequently welcomed Sacci\u2019s support for e-tolling – drawing Sacci out to clarify its stance.<\/p>\n
\u201cSacci remains opposed to e-tolls because of the high collection costs and the overall burden the tolls will have on the economy,\u201d Rau said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, Sacci will advise its members to abide by the law if the e-toll law is implemented on December 3 because of the high cost of non-compliance.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Outa head, Wayne Duvenage – former CEO at Avis – it was always going to be difficult for companies to defy e-tolls, but given the choice, they would almost certainly choose an increased fuel levy to fund the province’s upgrades.<\/p>\n
E-tolling on Gauteng\u2019s highways is set to go live on December 3.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the Democratic Alliance and the Freedom Front Plus announced they would each bring high court applications to fight the constitutionality of the e-toll bill President Jacob Zuma signed in September.<\/p>\n
A legal challenge to e-tolling by Outa was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal on October 9.<\/p>\n
(Additional reporting by Sapa)<\/p>\n
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