Gauteng motorists in no rush to pay e-toll debt

Gauteng motorists say they’re in no hurry to pay their outstanding e-toll debt.

Their remarks come at the back of Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga’s announcement that e-tolls will be scrapped – come Friday.

The Minister, alongside Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, was providing an update on the practical implications of the shutting down of the controversial system.

Speaking at the briefing, Chikunga told South Africans that the shutting down of e-tolls was an indication that government had listened to the people of Gauteng.

She also issued an apology on behalf of government, admitting that motorists were not adequately consulted before e-tolls were implemented.

The system has been a topic of contention since it was first introduced in December 2013.

While e-tag users will no longer be charged from Friday, motorists with outstanding debt with still be required to pay what they owe.

However, speaking with YNews, Joburg residents say they shouldn’t have to pay.

At the same time, civil action group OUTA has slammed the move as cheap politicking, ahead of the elections.

The organisation believes it’s the citizens who defied e-tolls, and therefore government officials are not the ones who should be celebrated for the landmark decision.

While lights and cameras at tolls will remain on for road safety purposes, including speed tracking, the eTags will no longer beep or charge motorists. Written by Naomi Kobbie