Road users who have persistently refused to settle their e-toll debt may receive civil summonses from the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) over the next few days.

Sanral announced in a statement on March 21 that the first set of civil summonses to individuals was already being delivered by sheriffs in different jurisdictions in Gauteng.

“The summonses will also include higher value summonses of mostly companies. Due to the amount owed in these cases, the summons has to be managed by the High Court,” said Alex van Niekerk, project manager for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.

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The decision to issue summonses comes at the end of an extensive period of communications between Sanral and vehicle owners who neglected to pay outstanding debts. “This is a natural conclusion to the process,” said Van Niekerk.

A civil summons must not, however, be confused with criminal proceedings, said Sanral. “It is similar to not having paid any commercial accounts and should not be confused with a criminal case,” the statement read.