South Africa-based N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which is responsible for the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal, has started testing its electronic toll collection (ETC) system in selected toll plaza lanes.

The company aims to implement ETC as an additional convenient payment method for vehicles equipped with electronic tags.

The ETC systems are expected to be implemented later this year at all plazas along the N3 Toll Route. During the testing phase, road users with tags in their vehicles will hear a ‘beeping’ sound when they pass through certain toll plaza lanes along the N3 Toll Route and they should not be concerned that any monies will be deducted from their accounts when they hear this sound.

"With the rollout of an electronic payment method, N3TC is adding another convenient payment option for those users who wish to make use of this alternative."

N3TC marketing manager Andy Visser said: "There is no need to be alarmed. This is not a live transaction environment, merely a testing phase to ensure equipment and operational functionalities."

All tolling operations along the N3 Toll Route will continue to function in the manner in which users are used to.

The company will continue to accept all payment methods along the N3 Toll Route, which includes cash, credit and fleet cards for light vehicles (Class 1) and cash or fleet cards for heavy vehicles (Classes 2 – 4).

On the N3 Toll Route, no debit cards, Diners Club, American Express or international bank cards are accepted as payment methods.

Visser further noted: "With the rollout of an electronic payment method, N3TC is adding another convenient payment option for those users who wish to make use of this alternative, but for the rest it will be business as usual on the N3 Toll Route."