'Pay tolls or face the law'

20 April 2012 - 02:02 By CAIPHUS KGOSANA
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SA national Roads Agency boss Nazir Alli has pleaded with motorists to pay the tolls when they use Gauteng's freeways from April 30.

An e-toll gantry. File photo.
An e-toll gantry. File photo.
Image: Simon Mathebula

If they don't, normal legal processes will be followed by law-enforcement agencies, Alli said.

Sanral does not have the power to arrest defaulters, "neither do we have the power to impound vehicles", he said.

From April 30, motorists in possession of e-tags will pay 30c/km to use the freeways - which has caused a huge outcry in Gauteng.

Toll guidelines published by the Department of Transport last week show that motorists who are not e-toll compliant could pay as much as R1.75c/km to use tolled freeways.

An urgent court application has been made in an attempt to halt the implementation of e-tolling.

Trade union federation Cosatu has threatened to join the court action if the government implements it.

The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Business Unity SA, have called on e-tolling to be delayed until the public's concerns have been fully addressed.

Alli said motorists who registered for e-tolling would enjoy massive discounts.

"We appeal to all to obey the laws of our country . I encourage you to register so that you can enjoy these discounts."

He said that Cosatu and business had been fully consulted by the National Economic Development and Labour Council about the plans to introduce tolling on freeways. He said this had been done in 2007 by then transport director-general Mpumi Mpofu.

"Cosatu is welcome to do what it is doing but my appeal to [the federation] would be to let us be careful whom we choose as fellow travellers."

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