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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSuch systems, already in place on some South African roads, calculate the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between two points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This helps ensure motorists comply with speed limits, as those found exceeding the limit can be fined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The repurposing of the gantries into such checkpoints would contribute to improving road safety and reducing speeding incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond speed monitoring, the CCTV cameras will be integrated into Gauteng\u2019s broader crime-fighting infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the provincial government had taken control of Sanral\u2019s e-toll CCTV network, merging it with existing surveillance systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to Eyewitness News<\/a>, Lesufi emphasised that the integration of e-toll cameras into the province’s law enforcement portfolio would play a crucial role in combating crime, including tracking stolen vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have taken over all of their CCTV cameras. They are part of our portfolio of CCTV cameras,\u201d Lesufi said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier also noted that the government had been given access to the command centre previously managed by Sanral, where permanent law enforcement agents are now stationed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesufi highlighted that since taking over the surveillance system, the province has been able to clear a backlog of criminal cases, thanks to the additional data and monitoring capabilities the e-toll gantries provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This integration is expected to bolster law enforcement\u2019s ability to respond to crimes and track stolen vehicles more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its controversial legacy, the e-toll infrastructure is now being used to serve a different public good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the financial toll of the original project continues to be a point of contention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to OUTA and a parliamentary Q&A in 2012,<\/strong> the capital cost of e-tolls was just north of R20 billion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This included road construction, toll infrastructure, toll systems, and investment in intelligent transport systems that ultimately did not fulfil their intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 43 overhead gantries that are spaced at about 10 km intervals on the N1, N3, N12 and R21 highways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This puts the cost of these glorified speed cameras at roughly R465 million per gantry. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of the agreement with the National Treasury, Gauteng is on the hook for 30% of the debt owed on the e-toll project, amounting to almost R13 billion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The balance of 70% will be paid by the National Treasury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has been a long-standing question where the Gauteng portion would come from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n