In Gauteng, while the e-tolls system is set to end, motorists are still required to settle their outstanding debts, the Transport Ministry and Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed on Wednesday.
Gauteng e-tolls are scrapped – But what about debts?
Despite the cessation of e-tolls announced for midnight Thursday, the financial obligations incurred through the system remain binding.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, along with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and officials from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), clarified that all debts accumulated up to the termination date are due.
Chikunga noted that the law mandates payment of these debts, although the method of enforcement is still under discussion.
“In terms of the law, motorists are still obligated to pay, [but] how this will be enforced is still to be discussed. We will be attending to that as time goes on,” the minister said.
The government plans to solicit public input on how to proceed with collections and handle disputes regarding these debts.
“The basis of the disputes on e-tolls was a lack of consultation. Therefore, the payment or enforcement of debt, we must subject it to consultation, so people can’t say we are taking a decision without consulting,” Lesufi added.
Gauteng’s long and exhaustive history with e-tolls
Introduced in 2013, the e-tolls were designed to fund significant improvements in highway infrastructure around Johannesburg and Pretoria, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
However, the system quickly became a focal point of controversy. Critics argued that it placed an undue financial burden on motorists, on top of existing fuel levies and vehicle taxes.
The lack of transparency and inadequate public consultation further alienated the community, leading to widespread protests and a significant portion of motorists refusing to comply with the tolls.
Persistent resistance culminated in numerous legal challenges and a prevalent call for civil disobedience against the e-tolls.
Despite various government efforts to amend the e-tolls policy, including offering discounts and payment plans to encourage compliance, public opposition remained strong.
The decision to discontinue the e-tolls comes after years of debate over their effectiveness and the economic strain they imposed on road users.
The remaining operational gantries and cameras will not be dismantled but repurposed to support road safety and crime prevention efforts.