On 13 March, The Western Cape High Court dismissed the DA’s case arguing the constitutionality of the bill, which allowed for the commencement of e-tolling in Gauteng.
However, the party will continue to fight e-tolling and plans to appeal the ruling – it has 14 days in which to do so.
The DA took its e-toll battle to court two weeks ago, arguing that the legislation was not debated in the provincial legislature, which it claimed resulted in the exclusion of consultation.
“We are studying the judgment and will issue further comment at a later stage,” DA Gauteng Premier candidate Mmusi Maimane said.
However, he said, the fight against e-tolling must continue both inside and outside the courts.
Meanwhile, Sanral welcomed the ruling.
“The legality of the bill has now been tested before a court of law and a ruling made in favour of government and Sanral. We urge those who have questioned the legality of this bill to respect the court’s judgement,” the road agency’s spokesperson Vusi Mona said.
Mona noted growing levels of e-toll compliance, adding that e-tolling was running more smoothly.
However, where challenges remained, the roads agency and its service provider, the Electronic Toll Company, were resolving them.
