‘Hauliers will qualify for special discounts’ – Sanral

THE DISCOUNT policy to be applied in Sanral’s proposed Gauteng highway toll system has raised concern in the haulage industry (See page 1). “The discounts referred to are vague and smack of preferential treatment for government-operated systems,” says the Road Freight Association’s Gavin Kelly. “There is the hint of protectionism and monopolisation in favour of identified operations. “What, for example, does Sanral mean in its statement that “public transport vehicles will qualify for special discounts”? Will freight transport vehicles be seen as public transport?” Yes, Sanral’s Wendy Watson told FTW – frequent operators will receive a discount (up to 40%), and will include freight operations. “There will be various levels of discounts,” she said, “and obviously for freight, courier companies, taxis, buses and other road users who have bought a transponder, and use it regularly." These are all possibilities, Watson added, but the whats and wherefores of the discount scheme have not yet been finalised. However, that word “transponders” worries the road freight industry. “The cost of electronically tagging vehicles – which then qualify for discounts – is confusing,” said Kelly. “If vehicles are not tagged, how will the toll be collected and, secondly, who will pay for the fitment of the devices. If operators are required to do so, this will just be passed on to the consumer.” It’s a simple scheme, according to Watson. “There will be a small transponder attached to the windscreen – like the current e-tagging used on the Bakwena highway – and it will probably be given to people for a small deposit. “But no final decision has been made.” Watson also dismissed the RFA’s concern about how the proposed discounts on road user “accounts” will be applied. “There will be various systems,” she said. “Either a deduction from your account, or a bill at the end of the month via the eNaTIS vehicle registration through a number recognition camera system.” This number recognition will also be used to toll occasional users or users from other provinces.