DA calls on review panel to scrap E-tolls
The DA has made its submission to Premier David Makhura’s E-toll review panel, with the message that the electronic tolling of Gauteng’s highways is unjust and must go.
“In our submission, the DA outlines the impact of E-tolls on the province as a whole, and that it goes beyond the pockets of motorists.
“We argue that the shroud of secrecy surrounding the procurement, construction and operator costs of the GFIP, E-tolling and the substantial percentages of revenue leaving the country needs to be lifted, and all aspects of the above be made public,” says Neill Campbell, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport.
He adds that they submitted that the cumbersome system of billing and collection, as well as Sanral’s heavy-handedness in forcing motorists to purchase E-tags, speaks of a government out of touch with the needs of the people.
Increased transport costs push up commodity prices and stifle economic-growth, and due to the size of the provincial economy, harms South Africa’s growth prospects.
“Furthermore, the contracting economy would have a devastating effect on job creation.
“In particular, the engine of economic-growth that small- and medium-sized enterprises would have to cope with increased operating costs.”
He says that the DA, therefore, proposed that funding for roads and highways come from the fuel levy; one which is ring-fenced for exclusive use on roads infrastructure, construction and maintenance only. – @CarmenBoksburg
