There is a good chance the court will grant a five-month interdict against the Gauteng e-tolling system, according to DA Gauteng Caucus leader Jack Bloom.
The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) lodged an application to the North Gauteng High Court to get e-tolling interdicted, and the case is being heard today.
The Freedom Front Plus yesterday announced that, together with the National Ratepayers Association, SA Federation of Caravan and Camping Clubs, and TAU SA, it formed an umbrella organisation called the Tollgate Action Group (TAG).
TAG plans to be added as a friend of the court (Amicus Curiae) to the urgent court application by OUTA against the SA National Roads Agency.
The group has called on the public to make a contribution towards the costs stemming from the court application and court case.
“We request a contribution by sending an SMS with the keyword 'TOLLGATE' to 39004 at a cost of R15, which will allow us to continue our fight.”
The Road Freight Association (RFA) last week lodged papers to join the legal proceedings brought by OUTA against the e-tolls as Amicus Curiae.
Forcing action
“Government's seeming disdain and dismissive attitude towards the massive anger displayed by workers against labour brokers and e-tolling, forces Cosatu [Congress of SA Trade Unions] and others to embark on further action,” says the federation.
This comes after treasury yesterday announced it filed papers to intervene in the application to interdict the e-toll system in Gauteng.
Treasury added there would be serious negative implications for future financing of roads and investment in public transport, were Sanral to be interdicted from implementing the toll collection system.
“Of concern also is the implication for Sanral's capacity to repay its debt, which is partially guaranteed by government. The integrity and sustainability of government's continued access to capital markets is a vital and essential determinant of SA's capacity to finance the infrastructure required for economic growth, development and rising living standards.”
Treasury will argue that the interdict should be denied and the implementation of toll collection should be permitted to proceed, as has been decided by Cabinet.
Cosatu will embark on a nation-wide strike on 30 April in protest against e-tolling.
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