Question NW2957 to the Minister of Transport
20 August 2015 - NW2957
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) How are the gantries along the e-toll routes being electrified when load shedding takes place, (b) how does load shedding effect the e-toll system, (c) what measures have been put in place to circumvent load shedding and (d) what has been the costs in this regard in each month since the e-tolls came into operation on the 04 February 2011?
Reply:
(a) The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project is not treated differently from other plazas. However, in order to avoid disruption of toll collection, independent back-up power supply is installed at the locations where money is collected. The back-up power supply automatically switches on when the main supply is interrupted. Similarly, such precautions are in place at the Hugeunot tunnel.
(b) Load shedding does not affect the toll system due to the above measures.
(c) See (a) above.
(d) The system was implemented to accommodate power failures. The Contractor, in terms of the obligations under the contract must ensure that the above systems are maintained and operational in order to overcome any potential loss in transactions at a gantry. This is part of the contractual obligations and not a priced item for which compensation is paid for on a monthly basis. To date, no additional payments in this regard were made to the contractor.