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Govt says yes to e-tolling fees
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Motorists will soon start paying to drive on Gauteng’s highways as Cabinet approves highly disputed e-tolling fares.
Despite the threat of strike action from trade federation, Cosatu, government has approved proposed prices and given the green light to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral).
Within the next few weeks drivers of light motor vehicles can expect to pay 40c per km, with prices for medium vehicles starting at 100c per km and 200c per km for longer vehicles. Motorcycles will pay 24c per km while qualifying commuter taxis and buses will be exempt from fare charges.
While government has made it clear that the principle of tolling had been accepted, and that the matter under review was the proposed tariff of 66c/km – trade union federation, Cosatu, has called for the scrapping of the initiative.
Despite the concerns, Cabinet noted that it was satisfied with the e-tag discount - 31% of the tag tariff – and other discounts which would be available to motorists.
The e-tolling charges form part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) - an initiative which will lead to the upgrade or construction of approximately 500 kms or road around the Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros.
Introduced in a phased plan and design approach, the project will introduce and open road tolling system which will electronically charge drivers per kilometre as they pass gantries erected across designated toll roads.
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.
Earlier this month the DOT proposed reduced fees following outcries from motorists, commuters, businesses and labour organisations. The recommended toll tariffs decreased from 30c per km down to 24c per km for motorcycles and 40c per km for light vehicles, a decrease from 49.5c per km.
For medium vehicles, the proposed toll tariff fee is down to R1 per km from R1.49/km while tariffs for large vehicles would be reduced from R2.97 per km to R2 per km.
Suggested tariffs for taxis will be 11c per km, from 16.5c per km, while prices for commuter busses will come down to 36.3c per km from 50c perkm. All rates are based on a vehicle having an e-tag account and an e-tag on its windscreen.
The department also noted that discounts would be available according to travel times and to frequent users of light vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
