Opposition to urban tolling alliance (Outa) believes that further “relaxed conditions” relating to the payment of e-tolls is further evidence that the system is “destined for the scrap heap of history”.<\/p>\n
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Tuesday (15 July) announced a \u201creprieve\u201d for the users of Gauteng\u2019s toll roads.<\/p>\n
Opening debate in Parliament on her department\u2019s budget, she told MPs this was being done \u201cto make it easier for people to comply\u201d with e-tolls.<\/p>\n
The concessions included a \u201cfurther extension of the payment period to avoid the VPC process that would negatively affect vehicle owners\u201d.<\/p>\n
Peters said users would \u201chave an extended payment period of 51 days, from the day they pass through the gantry, as opposed to the [current] seven days\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that this announcement serves two purposes, one being another carrot to entice the public buy-in to the ill-conceived scheme,\u201d said Outa Chairperson, Wayne Duvenage.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecondly, we believe the prosecuting authorities have noted an extreme difficulty exists in trying to achieve successful prosecution under the current regulations, terms and conditions,” he said.<\/p>\n
Duvenage raised the point that if Sanral must provide the user with an invoice with payment then expected within seven days to qualify for certain benefits, how does one, especially businesses, pay within seven days, without an invoice?<\/p>\n
“The Minister\u2019s \u2018reprieve\u2019 is in fact further evidence that the system is fundamentally ill-conceived, unworkable and destined for the scrap heap of history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outa again called on Government to halt the scheme and assess why the \u2018un-
\nroadworthy e-toll vehicle\u2019 was ever allowed on the road in the first place. “This is precisely what Premier Makhura\u2019s panel aims to do,” Duvenage said.<\/p>\n
He said that Government will not regain the willing support of the people on this issue, until such time as proper consultation on the matter is taken.<\/p>\n
“It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for one organ of state to pursue criminal prosecution over unpaid e-toll bills while another organ of state is inviting public engagement to examine the impact that e-tolls is having on the productivity of the region, the social well-being of its people, and the implications for the environment,” said joint Outa spokesperson, John Clarke.<\/p>\n
Gauteng premier, David Makhura, recently announced a 10-member e-tolls review panel to\u00a0focus on the impact of system on the economy.<\/p>\n
The panel will have its first meeting on Thursday (17 July 2014)<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Manny de Freitas, DA shadow minister of transport, said he will submit questions to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha, and Dipuo Peters, to determine the full extent of the NPA\u2019s assignment of two prosecutors to investigate whether the conduct of some motorists constitute an offence.<\/p>\n
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it has assigned prosecutors to begin the process of charging people who have not paid their e-tolls.<\/p>\n
“We will also specifically inquire into whether Sanral unilaterally requested this involvement.”<\/p>\n
“The DA is concerned by this latest development, specifically given the changing context of the e-tolling debate,” de Freitas said.<\/p>\n
The DA has also made clear that it will seek to amend the national legislation in Parliament.<\/p>\n
E-toll reprieve for Gauteng motorists<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n E-toll panel findings due in November<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Motorists warned to pay for e-tolls despite hiccups<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n