Exiting E-Tolls: Technology Triumphs

The long-awaited end to e-tolls in Gauteng has finally arrived as the Department of Transport announced the cessation of the controversial system at midnight tonight. This decision follows years of opposition from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), Gauteng motorists, and the general public.

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga published a notice in the Government Gazette last month, officially withdrawing the toll declaration for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Projects, commonly known as e-tolls. As of tomorrow, April 12, 2024, road users will no longer be charged for using the e-toll network.

Chikunga emphasized that while the obligation to pay e-tolls remains until midnight tonight, road users will not need to take any action once the system is cancelled. E-toll outlets will remain open for active accounts, providing services such as interoperability and account queries.

The state-of-the-art technology used by e-tolls will still be operational to identify vehicles electronically without the need for cash transactions. Current valid accounts can still be used for payments at toll plazas and other value-added services like parking.

The government has also reached an agreement to address the debt stemming from e-tolls, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Minister of Finance and the Gauteng Premier. This agreement formalizes alternative funding solutions for debt repayment and maintenance costs.

The announcement was made during a media briefing attended by various government officials and stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in the battle against e-tolls in Gauteng.