The city council has spoken out about the contentious user-pay system, making a submission to the Gauteng premier’s e-toll advisory panel after being asked to respond to the socio-economic impact of the freeway system, particularly e-tolling.
In its submission, the city council indicated that the development of the freeway system had a positive impact on socio-economic development, but that the current method of payment was unsuitable.
“The method of payment at this point in time is inappropriate, especially with due regard to the lack of accessible alternative public transport along the same destinations as the freeway network,” said city council spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane.
“The City also made recommendations as to what alternative uses the tolling infrastructure could be put, especially in respect of road safety.”
Further, the city council said proposals that were agreed upon in 2007 as part of the toll scheme integration process between municipalities, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and the Department of Transport had not been implemented.
“The initial proposals included public transport and high occupancy vehicle lanes on the freeways system, as well as using some of the toll revenue to support public transport infrastructure in Gauteng. This has not happened,” said Modingoane.
Last week, the Saturday Independent reported that according to the city council’s submission, road users should not have to pay for the present or future Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project infrastructure and maintenance.
“It should be the national fiscus which should be replenished through normal tax instruments that will not be a thorn to the road users and the public,” the city council’s submission stated.
