DA calls on review panel to scrap unjust e-tolls
DA's fight against e-tolls continues.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) made its submission, on October 9, to Premier David Makhura’s e-toll review panel, with the emphatic 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,” said DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, Dr Neil Campbell MPL.
“We argue that the shroud of secrecy surrounding the procurement, construction and operator costs of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (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.”
“So, too, do we submit 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 are small and medium enterprises would have to cope with increased operating costs,” explained Campbell.
“The DA, therefore, proposes that funding for roads and highways comes from a fuel levy; one which is ring-fenced for exclusive use on roads infrastructure construction and maintenance only.”
“The DA will continue in our fight for a toll-free Gauteng and use every avenue to our disposal.”
