Opposition blasts e-toll announcement
Opposition to e-tolling was intensified on Wednesday morning December 3 after the announcement by Transport Minister Dupio Peters regarding the start date for e-tolling in Gauteng.
JOHANNESBURG – The Democratic Alliance (DA), among other parties have launched an immediate attack on government’s announcement that e-tolling will commence December 3.
Minister of Transport Ms Dipuo Peters said, “Those without tags would pay double the amount, and would not benefit from the discounts.”
Peters said systems were in place to ensure the system functioned, and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) was capable of this responsibility.
She continued to explain, “Electronic tolling would contribute to the fight against licence plate cloning, and reduce congestion.”
The DA said in a statement, “It is a sad day for this province and for South Africa that the widespread public opposition to this system has been blatantly ignored by government.”
Although the initial phase runs for 185 km, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) is expected to cover around 560 km of the freeway network in Gauteng. The DA believes, this will in future mean bad news for residents of Gauteng.
South Africa’s official opposition added, “Future routes are expected to be along the N14 Krugersdorp Highway, sections of the M1, the N14 to Pretoria, N3 to Heidelberg, the R59 and sections of the N12.”
The DA continued to say, “Whether directly or indirectly, the majority of Gauteng residents will eventually pay the cost of e-tolling. Residents who are not regular road users will feel the pinch through increased food and living expenses.”
Gauteng Premier Candidate Mmusi Maimane said, “I know that many people are feeling very angry about this announcement today.”
Maimane took the opportunity to urge Gauteng motorists to take the fight to the ballot during next year’s general elections.
