Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-000-976  

NTB Type

8.8. Issues related to transit  

Complaint

We have a fleet of trucks and the problem is there is no fixed procedure to calculate the toll that BURS charges. They see the weights on the trailers mentioned on the blue plates which many a times shows 36,000kgs on the small trailer and 36,000 on the big trailer. That means they charge each truck toll for 72000 kgs. Some trailers with the same load and same trailers end up paying 4200Pulas and some trailers with the same cargo and same type of trailers are told to pay 6700 pulas. When the agent goes to ask that if you are charging us for 72000kgs will you allow the truck to carry such weights. They just tell him to leave the office and say there is no negotiation. We fail to understand how 1 truck having the same trailer and same cargo pay 4300 pulas and other truck with same trailer and same cargo is told to pay 6700 pulas. This on our transporters part is unfair. They should come with a fixed charge option that trucks with tri axel trailers will pay this much and trucks with interlinks trailers will pay this much. Please we will be obliged if this issue is raised on top priority.  

Status note

In this particular case, there was difference in weights between those indicated in the white book and the data plate affixed to the truck. Assistance was sought from the Weighbridge and due to other circumstances the attempt was unsuccessful. In concluding the query, the truck driver was assisted using the previous permits which he had no objections to.
The inconsistency with information from the trucker resulted in the inconsistency of the charges. This was resolved.  

Progress update note

On 18 May 2021, Botswana Focal Point provided the following feedback regarding this NTB;a) Lack of fixed Procedure in calculating road tolls. There is a procedure in place to calculate toll charges. The toll charges are charged basing on the gross vehicle weight of the horse and /or the trailer. And where there are any challenges with gross vehicle mass (GVM) /weight, the Weighbridge office is contacted for guidance and confirming the weight. Alternatively the previous weights may also be used after explaining to the customer. However, there are generally observed challenges with regards to alignment of the GVM weight reflected on the white book and the one physically affixed on the trailer/Horse. In this particular case, there was difference in weights between those indicated in the white book and the data plate affixed to the truck. Assistance was sought from the Weighbridge and due to other circumstances the attempt was unsuccessful. In concluding the query, the truck driver was assisted using the previous permits which he had no objections to. b) Lack of cooperation between truck drivers and officers when it comes to dealing with queries BURS has a query handling procedure in place, where a Customer is not happy with the service rendered, they have the right to escalate the matter to the next level supervisors until their query is resolved. Alternatively, the customer may call the Customer Center at 17649 for assistance if they have any query. c) Way Forward The Botswana Unified Revenue Service will engage with the Ministry of Transport and Communications for technical assistance in finding an everlasting solution especially where GVM on the white book and the one affixed on the truck/trailer differs.  

Policy or regulatory NTB

No 

Location

Botswana: Kazungula Ferry (Border post)  

Reporting Country or Region

Zambia  

Country specific trade issue

No  

Date of incident

2020-08-10  

Status

Resolved  

Date of resolution

2023-10-05  

Product Description

Computer-assisted translation

• Arabic
• French
• Portuguese

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Total value

0  

Date reported

2020-08-10 14:27  

Modified

2023-10-13 05:23