New Toll arrangements with Avis & Budget

[NM]

ok, so that makes it clear that e-tags will be installed in vehicles expected to be driven on toll roads, and number plate identification will be used for vehicles not expected to be driven on toll roads and not fitted with e-tags.

 

[cosi]

Most interesting as the system has been available in NSW for a long time.

Rented a car from Bayswater Rental in Kings Cross, Sydney in Jan 2008 and the car had the e-tag installed.

Upon return, the rental car staff simply logged on the RTA web site and gave me a print out of the tolls incurred which, after approval were deducted from my bond.

No hassle motoring or worry about any toll

 

[drron]

ok, so that makes it clear that e-tags will be installed in vehicles expected to be driven on toll roads, and number plate identification will be used for vehicles not expected to be driven on toll roads and not fitted with e-tags.

Well I picked up my Avis vehicle in SYD on the 16th.Doesn't appear to have Etag.Went through the Cross City Tunnel on the 17th-no beep or anything.will see what happens.

 

[1022]

I picked up a car from Kings X branch yesterday. The e-tag is fitted to the top of the windscreen behind the mirror as one would expect. It does seem to be stuck to the glass with industrial strengh adhesive, and doesn't seem to be in a bracket that allows the tag to be slipped out. Those who want to use their own tag are unfortunately stuffed UNLESS the rental location is able to allocate a vehicle without a tag - e.g. something with ACT or SA plates. Of course they probably can't promise this, but busy airport locations should be able to find a tag-less car if pushed.

I can understand the anti-competetive argument the critics of this system raise, though for me it's a good thing that Avis have cars with e-tags because I don't own a car (renting and car sharing on an as-needs basis is significantly cheaper and much less stress) and the toll/tag companies make it very difficult for casual users.

 

[ethernet]

The problem with the ACCC is that they did not look closely enough that there is no opt-out. Freehills used one language, practice and implementation is different.
There is no (reasonable) excuse for redacting how the charge was calculated.

I have no idea, but wonder if fitting your own tag, and crunching a bit of lead foil or carefully crafted drink can/faraday cage around the toll tag might work.

Your right to ring them up and tell them your number plate for the day should also not be compromised.

Were I the ACCC I would ask the question: What other options are there?, without dumbly accepting the path put in front of their noses.