A petition against the Gauteng e-tolling system, with almost 10 000 signatures, has been submitted to the Gauteng Legislature.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which initiated the petition, says the signatures are from its www.stophighwayrobbery.co.za Web site.
Neil Campbell, DA spokesperson on transport in Gauteng, says the submitted petition had 9 806 signatures against the proposed e-tolling of the Gauteng highways.
The concern, as stated on the Web site, is: “We, the undersigned, demand that the Gauteng highway toll system be halted. The principle of tolling existing urban roads is wrong. The costs of these tolls are too high, too complicated and unaffordable.”
Campbell says the petition will now be considered by the Petitions and Public Participation Committee.
He adds that the DA will push for public hearings on the matter. “The DA is not giving up the fight against the toll fees. They can be reversed if there is enough public pressure.”
First reversal
Fees initially gazetted for the controversial system in February were suspended due to public pressure.
Cabinet last month 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 busses (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 controversial system is expected to be implemented over the next five months.
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