Electronic tolling will kick off on 30 April, but at a reduced rate, after National Treasury announced it would pay the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) a special contribution of R5.8 billion.
The controversial electronic tolling project, at a cost of R20 billion, was set to kick in this month. However, implementation was postponed after an outcry over the proposed cost.
This afternoon, government issued a statement saying the cost would come down because of a once-off payment to Sanral. Finance minister Pravin Gordhan said National Treasury would contribute R5.8 billion towards the total R20 billion debt.
Treasury's contribution drops the price for motorists with e-tags to 30c/km, while motorcyclists will pay 20c, non-articulated trucks will pay 75c, and articulated trucks R1.51.
A frequent user cap of R550 a month for light vehicles and motorcycles has been proposed, and heavy-vehicles will benefit from a time-of-day saving of 20%.
Under the fees proposed late last year, drivers using motorcycles would pay 24c/km, light vehicles will be charged 40c/km, medium vehicles 100c/km, while “longer vehicles” in class C will pay 200c/km. Taxis and buses are exempt from paying fees.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) previously said it would take to the streets next month in protest over the previously-proposed rate, as well as the labour broking issue.
This afternoon, Gordhan said: "I am mindful that the introduction of tolling to finance the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme has caused considerable public reaction." He said treasury has "listened carefully to the various suggestions and appreciates the difficulties that might be faced".
Sanral's debt will increase to R59 billion and the minister of transport will table the necessary legislation to provide it with enforcement powers for tolling.
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