What's the truth about e-tolling?

Ok, I'm confused.  Last month Gauteng motorists were told Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele had put a stop to all tolling of national roads.  Then, early last week Sanral announced that motorists could start buying Gauteng electronic tags  as e-tolling would go live in Gauteng in February 2012.

Now the transport department claims that it was in fact putting a stop only to future road tolling projects to allow for public consultation, e.g., Cape Town, and that phase one of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project would be going ahead as previously planned.  This means that in February 2012, the 42 electronic toll gates already erected in Gauteng, will be fully operational, (no exact date available at this stage). 

E-tags will be available from Checkers, Pick’nPay, Shoprite, customer service outlets in Gauteng malls or customer centres along the Gauteng e-road.  But I somehow doubt motorists will be queuing up to buy them though, especially as people feel that without them,  it will be difficult for authorities to track them down and penalize them.

However, before you go the popular  COSATU route and boycott the system, be aware that motorists still have to register their vehicles with SANRAL, or buy a day pass. It will be a criminal offense to use an e-road without an e-tag, oh and get this, government has suddenly found the manpower and resources  it requires to have 24 hour police patrols stationed along the routes to apprehend those who don't comply.  I don't know how I would feel about being the subject of a high speed chase over the non payment of 40c,* whereas there are victims of rape all over the country whose perpetrators are out on bail because the government does not have the resources to maintain the country's DNA database. 

An e-tag will cost R50 per vehicle and will be available to order online at www.sanral.co.za, or by calling the e-toll call centre on 0800726725. 

* Proposed charges are 40c a kilometre for light vehicles
R1 for medium vehicles.
R2 for heavy vehicles and 24c for motorcycles.
Qualifying commuter taxis and buses will be exempt.