Open Road Tolls will change driver habits - 14 Jun 2010 14:07
We’ve heard the radio adverts and seen the billboards warning of the open road toll (ORT) system to be launched by April next year to pay for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. Although it promises reduced traffic, less congestion and better quality roads (which improve fuel efficiency), these benefits will come at a price.
According to preliminary expectations, the new tolls will cost users of the open road on average 50c a kilometre, an additional price of owning a car to be factored into the costs of maintenance, insurance and finance. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) though, will announce official costs later this year.
The new toll collection points will also employ electronic capturing of driver’s details for billing to prevent congestion at toll gates. Each number plate
will be fitted with a transponder that will allow the number plates to be electronically captured as the car passes through the toll.
The tolls will see drivers take extra measures to cut costs, such as lifting. If drivers offer a lift-club service at a fee though, there are additional insurance implications as the driver will be providing a shuttle service notes Angelo Haggiyannes, director of Auto & General. Special auto insurance will be required for any driver or vehicle offering such facilities.
We’ve heard the radio adverts and seen the billboards warning of the open road toll (ORT) system to be launched by April next year to pay for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. Although it promises reduced traffic, less congestion and better quality roads (which improve fuel efficiency), these benefits will come at a price.
According to preliminary expectations, the new tolls will cost users of the open road on average 50c a kilometre, an additional price of owning a car to be factored into the costs of maintenance, insurance and finance. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) though, will announce official costs later this year.
The new toll collection points will also employ electronic capturing of driver’s details for billing to prevent congestion at toll gates. Each number plate
will be fitted with a transponder that will allow the number plates to be electronically captured as the car passes through the toll. The tolls will see drivers take extra measures to cut costs, such as lifting. If drivers offer a lift-club service at a fee though, there are additional insurance implications as the driver will be providing a shuttle service notes Angelo Haggiyannes, director of Auto & General. Special auto insurance will be required for any driver or vehicle offering such facilities.