The Democratic Alliance (DA) is optimistic government will listen to its citizens and stop the proposed e-tolling of Gauteng highways.
However, in response to a question at National Assembly this month, transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the "user pays" principle is equitable in that those who enjoy the benefit pay for it, and it reflects the value to the individual road user, while those who do not receive the benefit do not contribute to that particular road.
Speaking at the debate on the Petitions Committee report on anti-toll petitions at the Gauteng Legislature yesterday, DA Gauteng transport spokesperson Neil Campbell said citizens spoke loudly and clearly with a united voice that urban tolls are unfair, unaffordable, illogical, and harmful to the South African economy and to Gauteng citizens.
“The people have spoken. Now they must be heard. We are hopeful, may I even say optimistic, that government will truly listen to its citizens and stop the proposed tolls.
“Failure to do so will result in civil disobedience and wholesale efforts to make toll collection unmanageable.”
Window-dressing
Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi said his department noted with appreciation that the Cabinet-approved e-toll tariffs are considerably less than the initial tariffs proposed by the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral).
However, Campbell said the discount is not substantial. “The so-called toll discounts are only window-dressing, because there is nothing to stop the toll rates increasing dramatically next year.”
He also questioned if the tolls will be discontinued once the upgrade is paid for. “Or will they become yet another cash cow which feeds an insatiable public purse?”
Costly police
Campbell said enforcement of toll infringements is controlled through the Sanral Act.
“With fine payment currently running at a low 20% and cloned licence plates fixed to at least 10% of vehicles, how is compliance going to be fairly enforced? The Sanral Act allows for a fine of R1 000, six months in jail or both, but does not stipulate how infringements will be adjudicated.
“Surely it is our constitutional right to defend each and every infringement, which means that our already hopelessly overburdened criminal justice system will become so clogged that it will be inoperable.”
“Firstly, vehicle owners will be invoiced in terms of recorded tolls if not paid within the seven-day grace period. In the event that invoices are not paid, a civil debt collection process is followed. In the event that this process is not successful, legal action will follow.”
He explained that these actions are linked to an enforcement unit that will be operational seven days a week, and will do enforcement by means of automated number plate recognition that will be done at freeway on-ramps and on freeway sections.
“A higher tariff is charged for late payment of toll tariffs that will cover the cost of the above actions. The compliant user will not subsidise any costs related to the violations (non-payment). A further deterrent will be that outstanding toll fees and charges will be collected at the time of the motorist renewing a licence disc annually.”
The minister said the enforcement unit managed under the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will be responsible for traffic policing on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, and its estimated annual cost amounts to R80 million.
“Many Gautengers say that the time has come to stand together and boycott these tolls. This would only have to be done for a short while to cause the sort of chaos to which the government always bows,” said Campbell.
The Congress of SA Trade Unions has repeatedly said it will embark on a campaign of civil disobedience if the tolls are not scrapped.
“If I were in the ruling party, I would pay heed to this very direct threat, which warns government that one of its tripartite partners finds these proposed tolls abhorrent,” said Campbell.
Economic powerhouse
DA Gauteng spokesperson for local government Fred Nel reiterated that the e-toll system will have a major economic impact on the province and the country.
“Sanral has indicated that the GFIP will contribute significantly towards the Gauteng economy. I fear that it is looking at its project in isolation and that they do not realise the true economic impact of this project on the province.
“The point that those in favour of the tolls have missed is the fact that these tolls are affecting SA's economic powerhouse province.”
He highlights the rise of consumer goods prices, the cost of transport to and from work, the impact on the tourism industry as a car rental cost in Gauteng is estimated to rise by R32 per day, and the increase in maintenance costs on municipal and provincial roads.
“Associated costs are not yet seen and this includes the administration cost of toll payments by large fleet owners.”
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