The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says it will adhere to calls from Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, to put e-toll prosecutions on ice.<\/p>\n
Last week, Peters called for a halt on prosecutions.<\/p>\n
“She’s engaged with Sanral to hold back on the prosecution processes that has been spoken about,” transport spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso told Sapa.<\/p>\n
“She believes there are still a number of outstanding issues that need to be resolved, particularly those that affect the users of the roads, including inaccurate billing.”<\/p>\n
“We act according to the shareholder\u2019s directive. The minister represents the shareholder \u2013 the government,” said Sanral spokesperson, Vusi Mona.<\/p>\n
“Therefore, the Agency acts in line with what the Minister has said in this regard.”<\/p>\n
Last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it had appointed two prosecutors to work with Sanral to deal with non-payment of e-tolls.<\/p>\n
“We have assigned two prosecutors to work with Sanral with the view to establish whether the activities by some motorists constitute an offence in terms of the Sanral Act,” NPA spokesperson Nathi Mncube said.<\/p>\n
The e-toll system was implemented across Gauteng on December 3, following several court challenges and widespread public opposition.<\/p>\n
Many motorists have refused to get an e-tag or pay their e-tolls.<\/p>\n
“We need to have everyone on board and ensure we do not rush into a situation where we seek to wield the stick, while there are still a number of things we believe we can do to make the situation better and ensure more people comply,” Rikhotso said.<\/p>\n
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura recently announced a panel of 15 people appointed to assess the socio-economic impact of e-tolls in the province.<\/p>\n
The panel, which met for the first time on Thursday, will assess the effect of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project on the economy and on Gauteng residents.<\/p>\n
It would invite proposals and submissions from residents on proposed solutions, and then submit its findings and recommendations to the provincial government in November.<\/p>\n
No e-toll prosecutions: minister<\/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