The hearing on Gauteng's contentious e-tolling system will take place on 11 November.
The date was announced by chairperson of the Standing Committee on Petitions at the Gauteng Legislature, Jacob Khawe, yesterday.
“Various organisations representing thousands of workers, communities and a political party have submitted petitions on the current tolling system within the province. Concerns raised about these toll gates are centred on affordability to those using them, as well as lack of consultation during the preconstruction phases,” says the legislature.
It adds the committee has decided to handle the petition as a single one, and will be subjecting it to the petitions process of the Gauteng Legislature from now onwards.
“Gauteng Legislature also believes that it is through this process that parties will begin finding a solution to the toll gates impasse in the province.”
All voices
The petitions were submitted by Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu), SA National Civic Organisation, and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The legislature previously said it would seek responses from the provincial government's transport development department before the hearings are held.
“It is important that all voices are heard on this important issue, and that authorities are held to account for an appalling decision that will hit the poor the hardest by crippling economic growth in this province,” says DA Gauteng transport spokesperson Neil Campbell.
“We call on all interested parties to prepare submissions for these hearings. These tolls can be stopped if we all protest loudly enough. They can be reversed if there is enough public pressure.”
Cosatu says the concept of e-tolling has not been accepted.
It also says it will march and plan demonstrations, pickets and stay-aways if the tolls are not scrapped.
“We are confident that thousands of other Gauteng residents will be joining in these protests as well.”
Fees initially gazetted for the e-toll system in February were suspended due to public pressure.
Cabinet in August approved reduced tariffs for e-tolling in Gauteng, which dictate motorcycles (Class A1) with e-tags will pay 24c/km; light vehicles (Class A2) will pay 40c/km; medium vehicles (Class B) 100c/km; and “longer” vehicles (Class C) 200c/km.
Qualifying commuter taxis (Class A2) and commuter buses (Class B) are completely exempt from the e-toll system.
The reduction for light vehicles without e-tags saw a drop from 66c/km, to 58c/km; and from R3.95 for heavy vehicles without e-tags to R2.95.
The e-tolling project is an open road, multilane toll infrastructure that allows tolls to be charged without drivers having to stop. There are no physical booths.
The system is expected to be implemented by February.
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