Collection agency gripes

The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) company, a supplier of e-tolling and collection services to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), has spoken out against political parties using the e-toll controversy to score votes.

ETC, which was selected to manage e-tolling for the Gauteng Open Road Tolling project, said the Democratic Alliance and the ANC were “scrambling to sway public opinion and secure crucial support” before voting season next year.

The company said it was no surprise that e-tolling was being used “as a political football” with the promises being made but unlikely to be kept.

The ANC has stated e-tolls would be scrapped, provided the party wins the majority in Gauteng. The DA is also against e-tolls and has raised objections claiming lack of public consultation and tender irregularities. They have also said excessive profit was leaving the country for Austria.

The ETC said that extensive public consultation on the project did, in fact, take place, as documented proof showed in clause 10 of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse high court ruling.

The company added that the cash collected from e-tolls was not going to Europe as various political figures had claimed in the media.

“We reiterate that all money currently acquired by Electronic Toll Collection from e-tolling is used for local operations and to fulfil our contractual obligations to Sanral.”

The organisation said they were tasked to monitor freeway usage, the maintenance of e-tolling technology and databases, customer service for compliant road users and running the collection service which assisted non-payers to resolve outstanding debt.