Motorists, this one’s for you: Sanral have given up in their quest to chase historical debt from e-tolls. Funny how it’s happened in election season, hey?
In a massive victory for Gauteng road users and South African motorists in general, Sanral has backed down on plans to fine and blacklist drivers for their failure to settle outstanding debts with e-tolls.
The significant breakthrough comes after a directive was handed down from Cyril Ramaphosa. Desperately seeking an end to the impasse, the ANC have called a truce with citizens of the province. Sanral will now be forced to find another way to make up for their losses after the gantries became a financial nightmare for the organisation.
E-tolls: Sanral calls off the debt
Sanral confirmed that they would no longer be pursuing legal action against payment defaulters, despite handing out around 4 000 summonses to cases stretching back over the last four years.
In a brief statement issued on Wednesday, the agency revealed that they may reconsider their decision in the future. But for now, rogue road users are in the clear:
“No new summonses will be applied for. This decision will be constantly monitored by the board and reviewed according to prevailing circumstances. Sanral is an agency of government and remains committed to delivering on its mission of a safe, efficient, reliable and resilient national road transport system for the benefit of all the people of South Africa.”
Sanral statement
Beware the ides of election season
The much-maligned system has been criticised by just about everyone who doesn’t get a wage from the ANC. The deeply-unpopular toll gates have failed to get the public onside, with just 25 – 30% of motorists complying with the required payments. Sanral did themselves no favours when they cranked prices up by 5% in January, either.
Although motorists will still be required to pay their e-toll fees, it seems the rebels of the road have managed to grind down the stubborn branch of government. It marks a huge victory for the people of Gauteng, but be warned: There’s an election coming up very soon. For the cynics, this can only mean one thing:
