The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterated its opposition to the controversial e-tolling system during a meeting with the new SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) board today.
The newly-elected board said it needed to further study comments from stakeholders and would then submit a report to transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele.
There has been vehement opposition to the toll system from labour, business, fleet associations, opposition parties, government and ordinary citizens.
“Extremely short notice was given for this meeting, but the DA hopes that this means that they are open to reconsidering the tolls,” says DA Gauteng transport spokesperson Neil Campbell.
“This contrasts with the secrecy around the toll collection contract as both Sanral and the Electronic Toll Concessions Consortium have refused to supply this in response to the DA application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act.”
The DA has called on the board to ensure the long overdue improvements should be funded from a dedicated (ring-fenced) road fund raised from the fuel levy, VAT on fuel and vehicles, and provincial licence fees, via the national purse.
“This is the most cost-effective way to pay for these roads. Initially, borrowing may be necessary, but it is cheaper than toll collection costs and any damages from cancelling the estimated R11 billion toll collection contract that is overly complex and probably unworkable in South African conditions,” says Campbell.
If a road fund raised from the fuel levy is impossible, the DA says it will support an increased fuel levy, but only if it is dedicated to roads and nothing else.
“The DA will also join legal action against the tolls, which we believe can be successfully challenged in the courts.”
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