The Gauteng e-toll system was supposed to go through live testing from the end of March, but the newly-formed steering committee will only complete a report for consideration of the political principals by the end of April.
Transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele yesterday announced the steering committee for the controversial e-tolling system.
The system is an open road, multi-lane toll infrastructure that allows for tolls to be charged without drivers having to stop. There are no physical booths.
Fees announced at 66c/km for standard motor vehicles were met with outrage from interest groups and the public. The Department of Transport (DOT) subsequently suspended the fees in aid of further consultation and deliberation.
Extended deadline?
Although the fees have been suspended, Sanral previously said the implementation date of 23 June still stands, with live testing to begin from the end of March.
DOT spokesperson Logan Maistry now says those timelines may be extended if the need arises, since the steering committee must complete a report by the end of April and then submit it to Cabinet.
Sanral could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
Viable e-tolling
Ndebele met with Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and MEC for transport Ismail Vadi last month.
“It is now my responsibility as the minister of transport to address all the current concerns relating to this issue. We will deal with all the attendant challenges in this regard together with the people of Gauteng.”
In aid of this, Ndebele said the department made a commitment that a steering committee would be formed to address all the concerns surrounding e-tolling in Gauteng.
“I must state that tolling remains one of the most viable means of funding transport infrastructure all over the world. Many countries - developing and developed - including China, the UK, [and] the US use tolling to raise funds for the construction of much-needed transport infrastructure.”
Fee solution
The department decided on an intensive consultation process to iron out issues with e-tolling.
“We are consulting because we do not want to choke the economy and people of Gauteng,” said Ndebele.
However, he added that at the same time the department needs to meet its commitments for the repayment of the R20 billion loan that was used to fund the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and for which the e-tolling system was created.
“In this regard, we have formed a steering committee to address on a consultative basis the proposed tariff structure and to explore the possibilities of increasing the public transport offering to provide more options and ease the burden on the Gauteng commuter.”
Committee duties
The steering committee is chaired by the DG of transport, George Mahlalela.
After consultation with all stakeholders, he will compile a report for consideration of the political principals by the end of April, according to Ndebele.
“On the financial side, the steering committee is charged with reviewing the financial assumptions underpinning the current proposed tariff structure.”
The minister added that the committee will consider various funding options, including the financial implications of each and a recommendation on the most appropriate option.
“Furthermore, the steering committee will look at short-term measures to improve public transport in Gauteng; improving the current public transport offering so as to provide commuters with viable travelling choices, and thus reduce their dependence on the private car.”
Ndebele said beyond the immediate, the DOT seeks to reach a point where there is better integration and reliability; improved safety and security; and improved medium to long-term investments in public transport and infrastructure in Gauteng.
Public submissions
The core of the steering committee is made up of representatives of the Gauteng office of the premier, the Gauteng DOT and the national DOT.
These officials include Kgaugelo Lekgoro from the premier's office; Benny Monama, head of department Gauteng; and Nazir Alli, CEO of Sanral.
The constitution of the committee is expected to be completed by 20 March, said Ndebele.
“We plan to include as part of the steering committee organised business, organised labour, commuter organisations, and other government structures and social formations.”
Ndebele added that an opportunity will be afforded to South African citizens to make written submissions, all of which will be considered by the committee when compiling its report.
Written submissions can be forwarded to the DOT, 159 Struben Street, Pretoria, 0002, for the attention of the director-general.
“As from Monday next week, a series of meetings will be arranged with each of the key stakeholders,” said Ndebele.
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