Motorists are not obliged to buy an e-tag to travel on Gauteng's roads, the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) said.

"Sanral would like to clarify to road users that it is not compulsory for road users to buy an e-tag for Gauteng e-tolling. Registering with an e-tag is optional," it said in a statement.

It was reported earlier that Sanral was attempting to legally force motorists to buy an e-tag or have their driver's licences taken away.

"Road users are therefore not forced to buy an e-tag, but are encouraged to obtain one to enjoy the cost saving benefits available to e-tag users."

These benefits included a 48 percent e-tag discount and a frequent user discount.

It was reported that draft changes to the National Roads Act Regulations -- pertaining to e-tolling -- were submitted to a few parties late last week with a request that comment be received within 20 days of publication.

If instituted, it would give "peace officers" the power to stop cars and demand to see a driver's licence and to produce any other tag or document they were required to have.

The Democratic Alliance said the regulations sought to give Sanral CEO Nazir Alli the power to appoint his own police force to ensure toll compliance.

"The regulations allow the CEO to appoint peace officers who will have sweeping powers to stop, search and confiscate any document found in the vehicle, including drivers' licences, at their sole discretion," said DA transport spokesman Neil Campbell.

"The legality of summarily confiscating a document, required by law to be in a driver's possession, must be tested," he said.

He said considering action had been taken against the tolls in court and with the National Consumer Commission, the legislation could be considered an act of desperation to intimidate motorists into accepting this unjust tax.

"At the very best the draft is an over-reaction to the toll dilemma which Mr Alli and the Minister have created for themselves. It's appalling to create a police force merely to enforce unjust taxes," said Campbell.

• According to a previous story in the Sowetan, drivers must register an e-toll account, whether they plan on using the discounted e-tag system or being billed by their number plate.

An e-tag is an electronic device purchased at participating retailers and fitted inside the windscreen. Besides the tag entitling road users to a discount, it "reduces the chance of someone cloning your vehicle licence plate", according to the e-toll pamphlet.

Even if a driver chooses not to purchase an e-tag they still need to register an e-toll account which is linked to their licence plate.

Payment can be made manually at participating retailers or it can be set up to be deducted automatically from your bank or credit account.

Automatic payment means deductions are made as a driver passes under a gantry.

If linked to a credit card, all daily tolls are "rolled up" and a single amount is deducted from the credit card at the end of the day.

Sanral chief executive Alex van Niekerk said that when a road user entered a negative balance, a grace period would be granted to make payment following which a "debt-collection and law-enforcement process will be followed".