An e-toll collection system (ETC) testing phase has commenced on the N3 Toll Route between Durban and Gauteng.

N3 Toll Concession marketing manager, Andy Visser, told Fin24 that the testing phase will continue for two to three months.

“We will be testing as long as necessary to eliminate any glitches in the system and until we are confident that the system works,” she said.

The N3TC is the company responsible for the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to Visser the N3TC is collaborating with Sanral to implement the e-toll collection system as an additional payment method for vehicles fitted with electronic tags.

Road users should not be concerned that any money will be deducted from their accounts when they hear a beeping sound, N3TC said in a statement.

“There is no need to be alarmed. This is not a live transaction environment, merely a testing phase to ensure equipment and operational functionalities,” said Visser.

All tolling operations along the N3 Toll Route will continue as normal.

“N3TC will continue to accept all existing payment methods along the N3 Toll Route, which include cash, credit and fleet cards for light vehicles (Class 1) and cash or fleet cards for heavy vehicles (Classes 2 – 4),” it said.

According to Visser the e-toll collection system is ‘just another payment method’ and there will be no change in tariff.

On Monday Sanral spokesperson, Vusi Mona, told Fin24 that the agency observed an increase in e-toll collections in Gauteng for the months of May and June.

According to Mona the announcement of reduced fees by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in May had a positive impact on the attitude of road users towards e-toll payments.

News24.com