Specific Questions that need answers

[Groenie]

How do I check on my outstanding balance without registering on the site?

Just paste this URL link into your browser. 

https://www.sanral.co.za/e-toll/portal/PayTollFeesUnregisteredUsers.aspx

But beware SANRAL tries to trick you into registering, so the first response you get is going to ask you to register.  Just repaste the URL and try again, it will eventually switch to a different screen that will allow you to enter your number plate without having to register on their site.

Please note - if you register on their site you will have to agree to their terms and conditions, which may prejudice your rights.

Seems that doesn't work anymore..... Haven't been able to check all day...

[alanB]

I spoke to a guy that worked on the initial planning and implementation of their IT system. It was after a couple beers, so I can't remember everything he said.

But, he recons the cameras CAN see your license disc even at 160km/h.
Very high resolution cameras are used- 3 per lane, and they compare their images to resolve the picture.
I can't remember the exact figure, but they store quite a few Peta bytes per day! That's why they only keep the pics for 30 days.

Thanks.

We need more info. Given that the experts here seem to doubt it.

I would think there is a difference between the disc being resolvable, and the software actually reading the disc.  A high enough resolution  camera will resolve the disc if its in view (some cars have a dark band in the glass etc which may obstruct the disc), plus its behind glass and that means reflections become an issue.  

So we need to establish whether its a case of the cameras having sufficient resolution vs the software being designed to look for and reliably read the disc.

Any more info on this obviously welcome.

[alanB]

How do I check on my outstanding balance without registering on the site?

Just paste this URL link into your browser. 

https://www.sanral.co.za/e-toll/portal/PayTollFeesUnregisteredUsers.aspx

But beware SANRAL tries to trick you into registering, so the first response you get is going to ask you to register.  Just repaste the URL and try again, it will eventually switch to a different screen that will allow you to enter your number plate without having to register on their site.

Please note - if you register on their site you will have to agree to their terms and conditions, which may prejudice your rights.

Seems that doesn't work anymore..... Haven't been able to check all day...

Worked for an hour ago, but just checked - it doesnt work now.

[Groenie]

The cameras aren't be able to resolve the disc on-the-fly, but it takes a high enough resolution pic to show the disc. It can be used afterwards to identify the car.

[Pistol]

Either way - cannot see it on the side of a bike behind panniers!!

[DeeCeeBee]

What about moving your disc holder / sticker so that when your windscreen wiper is at rest it obscures the details on the disc?
I doubt they have cameras that can read through metal and rubber....

[IanC]

If you mount your number plate upside down will the OCR still be able to read it, or will that picture need to be manually rotated to read it? Is it illegal to mount your number plate upside down.

[alanB]

More good info from Growweblaar 

I've done a little research. It seems the system is supplied by Kapsch TrafficCom of Austria and, looking at the two ANPR systems they supply, it must be the VR-2 system (data-sheet here).

It's based on a digital colour camera with resolution of 1392x1032. The other (VDR) system uses Infrared (IR), but it looks like this one does not. The blue glow around the gantries is most probably additional illumination to improve image intensity. The use of blue might be because of its higher energy, and the camera can be fitted with a filter to respond mainly to blue. Perhaps the fact that the GP plates have blue lettering contributes to the equation.

Doesnt look the system has enough resolution to read a license disc.

[DeepBass9]

The answer may be to subtly alter your number plate so it is not machine readable. I'm not sure if they will manually check unreadable images. But something like this which it to prevent robots from logging onto webpages may work (the image below is from SANRALS site actually!)

[IceCreamMan]

Does the government really have the constitutional right to deny people access to roads that have been there for generations, which they use to earn a living?

yes, tolls have been around since the 80's as I can tell.

until the etolls in Gauteng are tested in the CC they are constitutional so to speak.

[IceCreamMan]

Can not paying risk my credit record?
Can not paying prevent me from renewing my licence?

Yes
No,not yet

[IceCreamMan]

the law says: "the Agency must within 32 days after the alternate user has used an e-road but after expiry of the grace period and unless the user has registered, send an invoice to the said user"

Does that mean that Sanral is in breach of the law if I don't get an invoice within that period and my 'debt' expires?

No, yr debt does not expire.

SANRAL have 39 days to issue an invoice, this 39 days does not pertain to the time that you have to receive the invoice. even if you never receive it you are still liable for the payment...

secondly, if SANRAL does not issue an ivoice it is not clear whether you are excused.

[Fudmucker]

As a Public Servant, I must submit e-toll statements for the vehicle that I use to travel for work purposes,
or subsidise the government by paying (not paying) out of my own pocket.

On a recent private trip on N4, I presented my garage card to pay the N4 toll and requested a receipt, which I received from the attendant.
When I returned home, I received a statement from e-toll indicating that for the same trip, my e-tag had ALSO been debited for the N4 Toll.
Who should I approach for refund - TRAC?