Gauteng's E-Toll Programme is Officially Coming to An End

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has announced the official end of Gauteng's controversial e-toll programme, effective midnight on Thursday, 11 April. This decision signifies the termination of road users being charged for using the road network in Gauteng.

Repurposing Infrastructure for Road Safety

While the gantries and cameras previously used for tolling purposes will remain operational, they will now be repurposed to support road safety and crime-fighting initiatives. Minister Chikunga emphasized that the withdrawal of e-tolls aims to provide certainty to Gauteng motorists and all South Africans after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The infrastructure, including gantries and e-tags, will be repurposed for other functions to enhance road safety and streamline transportation systems. E-tags, initially used for tolling, will continue to serve as effective payment instruments, facilitating faster throughput rates at toll plazas and reducing congestion on national roads.

According to Louw Kannemeyer, Sanral's engineering executive, e-tags will offer additional functionalities such as paying for parking and integrating with public transport systems. Trials have already demonstrated the interoperability of e-tags in cities like Johannesburg, enabling seamless transitions between different modes of public transportation with a single ticket.

Shift in Transportation Policy

The repurposing of e-toll infrastructure will coincide with organizational changes within Sanral, ensuring the retention of staff involved in e-toll-related functions while adapting to new roles and responsibilities.

Overall, the end of Gauteng's e-toll programme marks a significant shift in transportation policy, prioritizing improved road safety and mobility while addressing the concerns of motorists and the public.