Toll fees are set to be deducted from the user’s registered e-toll account; those opting for the system will be able to travel without disruptions. A vehicle’s number plate will be photographed from the front and back as part of the verification process, and also for all those that do not have an e-tag.

Wanda Cloete, SANRAL spokesperson, said SANRAL will request that Gauteng road users register their vehicles for e-tolling. Road users will have the option to be recognised by their number plates or by e-tag.

The e-toll account registration, according to her, will be friendly and road users will have the option to register for it through SANRAL; at e-toll customer service kiosks, which are located at malls; e-toll customer service centres, along the freeway network; by phoning in to the call centre; or by purchasing an e-tag.

The e-tag is supplied by SANRAL at no cost. “However, if the user elects to obtain an e-tag, the user will need to deposit a minimum credit (which will be specified by SANRAL) into the user’s e-tolling account. This credit will allow the road user free toll passes in the same amount as the credit deposited.”

The e-tolling account that road users can link to their vehicle can be set up as a pre-paid account with SANRAL. Money can be paid into this account through various options such as retail outlets, the internet, e-toll customer service centres and kiosks.
 
Motorists can also link their e-tolling account to their credit card amount. More than one vehicle can be linked to an e-tolling account.

These tolls will provide a sustainable revenue stream that will be used to upgrade and expand the freeway networks.

“By using tolling as the funding methods for the upgrading of the national roads in Gauteng, SANRAL is able to provide the much needed infrastructure when it is required,” said Cloete.

Cameras that will be fitted in at the ORT systems will also be able to read the existing and metal variation number plates. The new number plate system is an eNaTIS initiative and SANRAL is adhering to the specifications by ensuring that the toll equipment is interoperable with all new and old number plates.

“When a vehicle enters the toll area, the equipment on the toll gantry reads the e-tag, takes photographs from the top, front and back and verifies that the vehicle number plate, vehicle class and e-tag are in accordance with the e-toll account registration details, then deducts the toll fee from the e-toll account,” said Cloete.

The toll tariff and discount (which has not yet been approved) is determined by considering the cost of the infrastructure developed and per vehicle class.

Motorists will receive an invoice for their toll fees and will have seven days in which to pay for it, after which an administrative and law enforcement process will commence.

In the event of an accident, a paramedic on a bike will be dispatched to the scene to stabilise the patient, while waiting for the emergency services to arrive. When a vehicle is obstructing traffic (through an accident or has broken down) the vehicle will be towed to the nearest place of safety.

In the future, e-tags can be used at any toll plaza that displays the e-tag symbol. Therefore, as more electronic tolling is implemented countrywide at existing or new toll plazas, users do not need to set up a new or additional account.

Registration will commence at the end of the first quarter of 2011.

For further information regarding the ORT system log onto the SANRAL website (www.sanral.co.za) or call (012) 426-6200 or e-mail on info@nra.co.za.  - BuaNews