Johannesburg – E-toll panel members, appointed to assess the impact of e-tolls in Gauteng, are meeting for the first time today.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced the names of 10 of the 15-member panel, last week.
Prior to the meeting, Premier Makhura said the team will draw up a work-plan.
“We can’t say anything more than this. Their work-plan will be made available. They are serious and they are going to do serious work,” he said.
Among other things, the panel is tasked with inviting proposals and submissions from Gauteng residents on proposed solutions to e-tolling. It would submit its finding and recommendations to the provincial government.
The panel is expected to present monthly reports, and a final report and recommendations to the Gauteng provincial government by 30 November 2014.
The e-tolling started operating in December, last year.
Some of the panel members include chairman Muxe Nkondo, Patricia Hanekom, John Ngcebetsha, Vuyo Mahlathi, Luci Abrahams, Fiona Tregenna, Anna Mokgokong, John Sampson, Lauretta Teffo, and Chris Malikane.
E-toll grace period extended
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, during her Budget Vote speech, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters extended the grace period for e-toll road users to settle their accounts and benefit from the discount.
She said in response to the call by the President earlier this year to address electronic payment billing challenges in Gauteng and make it easier for people to comply, they have come to the following reprieve for affected motorists in the following categories:
- The further extension of the payment period to avoid the Violations Processing Centre (VPC) process that would negatively affect vehicle owners.
- Users will have an extended payment period of 51 days from the day they pass through the gantry. They will also receive the time-of-day discount.
- A non-registered user will receive a 60% off the alternative tariff if they pay within 51 days.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) VPC deals with all e-toll payments and debt collections.
Minister Peters said for registered road users, her department will introduce the following reprieves:
- 48% e-tag holder discount;
- Time of day discounts;
- Frequent user discounts; and
- R450 calendar month cap for class A2/light vehicles.
Minister Peters said these would include exemptions for public transport, medical services and people living with disabilities.
She the user pay principle remains the policy of this government, and she urged users of the tolled Gauteng road network to continue paying for e-tolls. – SAnews.gov.za
