Motorists still required to pay e-toll debt, confirms Chikunga

Chikunga, together with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, briefed the media on Wednesday morning on the scrapping of the unpopular user-pay system.

The government announced in March that, starting at midnight on April 12, road users would no longer be charged for the use of the e-tolls network.

However, Chikunga warned that the move doesn’t necessarily mean defaulting motorists would get off scot-free.

"In terms of the law, the motorists are still obligated to pay. How we will enforce it is a matter we still have to discuss," the minister explained.

E-tolls, managed by the South African National Agency, have been the subject of intense debate since they first went live in December 2013.

The system compelled motorists to pay to use certain highways around Gauteng, mainly in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

The controversial toll system was rejected by the majority of motorists who simply refused to pay.

The commitment to scrap the tolls was eventually made last year, with the Gauteng government paying 30% of the debt and the National Treasury taking 70%.

Chikunga says road users will not be required to do anything when e-tolling is cancelled.

"Importantly, ‘current valid accounts’ can still be used for payments at toll plazas and other value-added services such as parking). This is critical for the ongoing, long-term benefit of interoperability.

The tag beeps will stop at midnight on 11 April, although the gantry lights and cameras will remain on for road safety purposes.

E-toll stores will remain open as the tag can still be used for interoperability, account queries, and other potential transport-related services, which will be determined in due course.

The e-toll branding will be removed in phases.

“E-toll invoices will be rolled out until the last day and issued up until this period. Due to potential delays in the postal system, invoices will still be received sometime after 12 April 2024. However, no transactions post-midnight on 11 April 2024 will appear on the invoice or statement," said Chikunga.

E-toll stores will remain open as the tag can still be used for interoperability, account queries, and other potential transport-related services, which will be determined in due course.

The e-toll branding will be removed in phases.

“E-toll invoices will be rolled out until the last day and issued up until this period. Due to potential delays in the postal system, invoices will still be received sometime after 12 April 2024. However, no transactions post-midnight on 11 April 2024 will appear on the invoice or statement," said Chikunga.

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