OUTA would like to remind motorists that summonses must not be ignored. If these are issued for unpaid e-tolls, they must act quickly. They can contact OUTA’s offices for guidance on how to address the matter. By not responding to a summons, motorists open themselves up to default judgments and further legal actions that arise from this.
It also important to note that the State is under no obligation to inform motorists once a default judgment has been made. They may only find out the next time they apply for credit, such as when attempting to take out a home loan. This can have a disastrous financial impact on households.
OUTA also urges motorists who have defied the irrational e-toll scheme to check with a credit bureau whether SANRAL has taken a default judgment against them. In the event this has ocurred and they were not aware of it, they should consider having this judgment rescinded through the courts. By ignoring this, their credit ratings may be negatively affected.
In November, Transport Minister Blade Nzimande said that there were discussions underway to resolve the e-tolls issue. We call on the Minister to stand by his statement and pressure Government to show leadership and end this irrational scheme, so South Africans may move forward.
For more information on e-toll summonses, see here.