Contact UsCommittee to address e-tolling cost concerns
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RedditFollowing an outrage over proposed toll tariffs, Transport minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, has announced a steering committee to help deal with concerns.
Speaking at a briefing yesterday, Ndebele noted that the steering committee would begin work next week, when it meets with stakeholders.
“We announce the government-side of the steering committee, as a result of concerns surrounding the e-tolling in Gauteng. We decided on an intensive consultation process. We are consulting because we do not want to choke the economy and people of Gauteng. At the same time, we want to meet our commitments for the repayment of this R20 billion debt,” Ndebele said.
The committee would address - on a consultative basis - the proposed tariff structure and explore the possibilities of increasing the Public Transport offering to provide more options and ease the burden on the Gauteng commuter.
Over the past few weeks, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has faced criticism from motorists, business organisations and labour unions, who have called for the suspension of the project. While Sanral insists e-tolling tariffs are affordable, trade union federation, Cosatu, has called for the suspension of the project – saying it would negatively affect the poor.
According to price structures released by the agency - light vehicle drivers will be charged 66 cents for every km travelled on the provincial freeways, motorcycles will pay 40 cents per km while taxis will pay half the amount.
“We have given the Steering Committee a very tight deadline to submit its final report to the political principals, having consulted and considered all the submissions, by the end of April 2011,” he stated.
Cost battles
His announcement follows a meeting with Gauteng premier, Nomvula Mokonyana, in February regarding the proposed tariff plan for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
Ndebele confirmed he had met Mokonyana and Gauteng MEC for Transport, Ismail Vadi, who explained that consultation on the tariffs had not been adequate.
While Ndebele announced the withdrawal of the gazette on the proposed tariffs, to allow for more thorough consultation – he added that tariffs were meant to be operational by the end of June 2011.
The open road tolling system (e-tolling) is part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and will consist of 49 electronically operated toll gantries distributed on sections of the N1, N3, N12 and R21 freeways between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The system allows for tolls to be automatically charged without vehicles stopping or slowing down. When the vehicle enters the toll area, the electronic equipment will photograph the front and rear number plate, read the e-tag on the vehicle, verify the tag if is linked to the specific vehicle and have an account linked to it.
The steering committee will be chaired by the DG of the Department of Transport, George Mahlalela and will also consider funding options for the GFIP.
