Sibusiso Ndebele

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has backed down on 16 of its e-tag terms and conditions.

This comes after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) upheld complaints by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

DA Gauteng transport spokesperson Neil Campbell says the changing of these terms occurred as a result of a conciliation meeting held on 11 April. The NCC sent a letter to the DA this month, upholding its complaints.

“While most of the complaints have now been addressed by Sanral in their new terms and conditions, two points which still give rise to concern have been forwarded to the National Department of Transport for their input.”

These points are that the seven-day grace period given to pay e-toll tariffs and top up depleted accounts could increase consumer indebtedness, says Campbell.

He explains that transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele made this decision and so only he can change it.

The second problem is that a driver becomes a “criminal” under the Sanral Act by not paying tolls within seven days. “[This] is considered unfair, but only the minister can change this clause as it is part of the Sanral Act.”

Campbell adds that the NCC is still awaiting clarification from Sanral regarding its status as a deposit-taking organisation.

“The other 16 points raised by the DA have resulted in changes to the terms and conditions of the Sanral contract, all of which benefi t motorists and highlight the completely unfair and one-sided nature of the original contract.”