Sanral response on alternate use tariff

"Sanral states again that every road user has the right to get the full discounts they are entitled to through the variety of payment mechanisms available," the agency said on Monday in a statement. "Rather than be guided by agendas of organisations with a variety of their own interests, Sanral urges road users to establish for themselves exactly what their e-toll fees will be, based on their most likely driving patterns."

Further, the alternate user rate of R1.74/km is actually three times the standard toll tariff, contrary to some current claims.

Sanral noted that the DA and the interest group Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) - characterised this rate as "almost six times" the discounted rate.

For organisations proclaiming their transparency and credentials on the tolling issue, this continued use of scare tactics and sleight of hand with figures brings those claims into question, Sanral said.

Paying at three times the going rate

"In addition, the DA is again mistaken in referring to the publishing of the tariff structure in the government gazette as 'underhand'. There is nothing underhand about publishing regulations and tariffs in the legally required format."

An "alternate user" is the one who does not have a valid and operational e-tag, and/or who is not registered with Sanral, and/or who is not a day-pass user.

The "alternate user" is entitled to pay the standard tariff, if he or she pays within the grace period. The grace period is defined in the government gazette as being within seven days from the date and time that the liability to pay an e-toll transaction arises.

Users who do not register, or do not have valid and operational e-tags and do not pay within seven days will ultimately pay a significantly higher tariff.

The alternate user tariff is determined at three times the standard tariff. The reason for this is the added costs associated with contacting the users by means of invoicing, debt collection and costs associated with recovering payment.

"Sanral's view is that paying users should not pay higher costs to cover those who choose not to pay. As per Sanral's governing legislation, it has long been an offence to not pay toll fees and the status quo is retained," the agency said.

Sanral urged road users to do what is necessary for them to pay the least amount possible in e-toll fees. It said it was more convenient and cheaper administratively for motorists to have an e-tag. The benefits that go with the e-tag are the various discounts that reduce the overall cost to the road user.