Motorists with unpaid Gauteng e-toll accounts no longer need to settle those balances.
Cabinet has approved the cancellation of all outstanding e-toll debt. As a result, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) will stop pursuing unpaid accounts linked to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
Government Draws a Line Under E-Tolls
This decision marks another step in ending the long-running e-toll saga.
The controversial system officially stopped operating on 12 April 2024. Government is now working to conclude all matters connected to the scheme.
However, motorists who paid their e-toll fees will not receive refunds.
Government maintains that those payments were made while the system remained legally enforceable. Therefore, no reimbursements will be issued.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport welcomed Cabinet’s decision. The department said the move provides certainty about the future of the former e-toll programme.
Years of Resistance End in Debt Write-Off
Government originally introduced e-tolls to finance freeway upgrades across Gauteng.
The system formed part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. However, it quickly attracted strong public criticism.
In addition, compliance remained low throughout its operation. The project also faced years of legal disputes and political opposition.
Cabinet’s latest decision effectively ends all unresolved issues involving historic e-toll debt.
National Treasury and SANRAL are expected to absorb the costs of unpaid accounts through agreed arrangements.
Consequently, the debt write-off supports the broader process of formally closing the e-toll system and resolving outstanding implementation matters.
The post Government Clears Remaining Gauteng E-Toll Debt appeared first on iHarare News.
