Transport operators have been warned by SANRAL not to be deceived by hoax e-mails and messages claiming money can be collected from the bank accounts of companies using e-toll roads.

Vusi Mona, South African National Roads Agency Ltd  Head of Communications, said,  “What started off as an April Fools’ joke has gained momentum and many people are now concerned that Sanral is illegally taking money from road users.”

“We want to assure the public that Sanral acts strictly within the confines of the legislation pertaining to e-tolling. We are transparent in all our actions and communicate our real intentions through the media, and directly to the public, on a regular basis.”

The hoax message was published on the Business Tech website on 1 April – Fools’ Day. It alleged that the SA Revenue Service has been allocated the powers to collect money directly from the bank accounts of road users who have not paid their e-toll accounts.

At the bottom of the online report is a link to a page, which makes it quite clear that it is an April Fools’ joke. (http://businesstech.co.za/news/general/55130/secret-e-toll-bill-to-take-money-from-users-bank-accounts/)

Mona said it was regrettable that a serious tech website contributed to the spreading of misinformation under the guise of a joke. Many people have read the report without following the link and the original report is now also being spread through e-mails.

A similar situation occurred in January when false reports were spread about alleged roadblocks in Gauteng, where road users were “forced” to purchase e-tags.

“There is still a degree of misunderstanding the e-tolling system and unfortunately such hoax reports and e-mails only add to the confusion among road users,” said Mona. – SAnews.gov.za