For Gauteng drivers frustrated by the e-toll system, there’s finally some good news. The province of Gauteng has planned for e-tolls to disappear. The long-debated system is set to be scrapped, effective Friday, April 12th, 2024. This means drivers using the Gauteng freeway network will no longer be charged a toll. This decision comes after an agreement between the national government and Gauteng province, bringing an end to a system that has been a source of contention for years.
A joint media briefing was held by the Department of Transport and SA National Roads Agency (SANRAL) in Centurion on Wednesday where the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi made the announcement.
A Shift in Gauteng’s Road Infrastructure Funding Strategy
The scrapping of e-tolls signifies a significant shift in Gauteng’s road infrastructure funding strategy. While details on alternative funding solutions are still emerging, the immediate benefit for drivers is clear: toll fees will no longer be a factor in their commutes.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has addressed some concerns. Though the e-toll gantries will remain in place for safety reasons, the familiar beeping will cease. Additionally, the government is committed to finding a sustainable long-term solution for road maintenance and upgrades.
Chikunga confessed that the system had negatively affected motorists’ pockets, and this was of great concern to Cabinet.
Gauteng E-Tolls to Disappear – Next Steps
According to IOL, this is what is important to know about what happens next with e-tolls:
- Tag Accounts Still Valid: Motorists can still use their tags as a toll payment method at all conventional toll plazas because the SANRAL account will still be valid. Accounts will remain active and working as long as the mobility and tag account has sufficient funds and is topped up.
- E-Tag Can Be Used for Parking: A SANRAL account with a sufficient balance that is linked to an e-tag can be used as a parking payment method at the participating malls. A list of the malls is available on the SANRAL App.
- E-Toll Invoices Payable: The e-toll invoices will be rolled up until the last day – April 11, 2024 – at midnight, and road users are obligated to pay tolls until this period and invoices will be issued containing all transactions up until that date and time.
Related: Premier of Gauteng Tackles Unemployment – Training, Stipends for 500,000.
Conclusion:
The removal of e-tolls is a welcome change for Gauteng motorists. While questions regarding future road funding remain, drivers can breathe a sigh of relief as they hit the road this week. Stay tuned for further updates on the development of alternative funding solutions for Gauteng’s freeway network.
