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Cape Town - Although Deputy Predident Cyril Ramaphosa referred to the changes in the Gauteng e-toll system as "a new dispensation", many Fin24 users were not so sure it is going to be a good thing.
READ: Seven principles of the new Gauteng e-toll system
Among the concerns raised by Fin24 users were whether those who have been paying their e-tolls can now expect a 60% "discount" like those motorists with outstanding e-toll debts.
Fin24 user Theunis writes: "I have been a registered paying e-toll user since day one. With the 60% discount awarded to those who have overdue accounts, can I now bargain on a 60% reimbursement or discount from Sanral on all moneys I have paid so far?" he asked.
"If not, this cannot be considered to be any sort of a fair deal, but rather a buy-off to quiet the masses."
Fin24 users Ephraim, Billy, Cobus and Carissa say they also have faithfully been paying their e-tolls and want to know if they will now also get a refund.
READ: Ramaphosa: New e-toll dispensation fair
Fin24 users also questioned the legality of withholding new vehicle licences until all of the outstanding e-toll payments by an individual have been paid.
Fin24 user Gary wanted to know what he must do if he cannot afford his outstanding e-tolls fees, which will amount to about R8 000 after the 60% discount.
"So will I, therefore, be unable to renew my licence? How will I get to work to earn an income?" he wrote in an email to Fin24.
"Has the law changed so that Sanral or the Gauteng government can refuse to issue a new licence disk before all outstanding toll fees are paid?" asked Fin24 user Henry.
"I thought that the law required a summons to appear in court for an unpaid fine had to be delivered to your place of residence or work and that you had to be found guilty of the alleged offence in a court of law, if you did not pay, before any further action could be taken against you."
Fin24 users Niel, Cameron and Mandla also wanted to know "if it's legal to force us to pay our e-toll fees before we can renew our vehicle licenses".
Wayne Duvenage, chairperson of the activist group Outa, told eNCA that the large number of false number plates used in Gauteng will complicate the matter of withholding a vehicle licence renewal if there are outstanding e-tolls debts.
Errors and fraud
There is also the matter of errors on the current system and false number plates.
Fin24 user Hannes writes: "I would like to ask what they will do with their customer care, or client call centre with regards to sorting out various discrepancies on the e-toll."
"The worst is that there seems to be vehicles on the national e-Natis register that are registered to persons not actually owning these vehicles," he wrote.
"Local traffic authorities and the SA Police Service just pull up their shoulders, but the invoices keep coming, even when photographs are provided to prove the mistakes. And that is sent to a person who does not live in Gauteng, has not been in Gauteng, nor does he have a vehicle of that make or registration number in his name."
Fin24 user Marius is also concerned and wants to know "what would happen if you want to renew your license, but another vehicle has used a cloned license plate with your registration number?"
Future increases
Fin24 user James is wary about future increases in the toll fees, regardless of the new ones announced on Wednesday.
"Are the tariffs going to increase every three months or six months or a year and by how much?" he asked.
How the calculation of the 30 entries which form part of the new system will work is another question.
Fin24 user Hassen writes: "I need clarity on non-frequent users. Is it calculated from the entry at the first toll to the next toll? How does the 30 entry principle work?"
Fuel levy
A number of Fin24 users also wanted to know why the fuel levy is not used to pay for SA roads instead of the government having to turn to e-tolls.
"Where is the fuel levy?" asked Fin24 users Andrew and Menzi.
Fin24 user Mark wanted to know where the Gauteng government will find the money to cover the shortfall due to the reduction of e-toll tariffs.
Dealership woes
Fin24 user Milissa works for a car dealership and foresees a dilemma.
"How will I know what VPC accounts I have outstanding for the dealership? I have phoned Sanral to try and get the accounts and they can't tell me. When I do receive a statement I request the password for that account and Sanral has told me on numerous occasions they can't assist me," she writes.
"So how would I know how much the relevant dealership owes? What if there is a postal strike again? This means we will not get our invoices on a timeous basis. Who will then be liable for the 'fine'? How would the dealership know if there is anything outstanding when we buy a used car?" she asks.
ALSO READ: SA cuts Gauteng e-toll fees by 50% - As it happened
And last but not least there are those like Fin24 user Andrew, who remained adamant that he was still not going to pay e-tolls.
"I guess there is going to be a tonne of unregistered vehicles on the roads. I guess corruption still reigns," he wrote.
Disclaimer: All letters and comments published in Fin24 have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.
