The Democratic Alliance (DA) made its submission, on October 9, to Premier David Makhura’s e-toll review panel, with the emphatic message that the electronic tolling of Gauteng’s highways is unjust and must go.<\/p>\n
“In our submission the DA outlines the impact of e-tolls on the province as a whole, and that it goes beyond the pockets of motorists,” said DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, Dr Neil Campbell MPL.<\/p>
“We argue that the shroud of secrecy surrounding the procurement, construction and operator costs of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), e-tolling and the substantial percentages of revenue leaving the country needs to be lifted, and all aspects of the above be made public.”<\/p>\n
“So, too, do we submit that the cumbersome system of billing and collection, as well as Sanral’s heavy-handedness in forcing motorists to purchase e-tags, speaks of a government out of touch with the needs of the people.”<\/p>
Increased transport costs push up commodity prices and stifle economic growth, and due to the size of the provincial economy, harms South Africa’s growth prospects.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the contracting economy would have a devastating effect on job creation.<\/p>\n
“In particular, the engine of economic growth that are small and medium enterprises would have to cope with increased operating costs,” explained Campbell.<\/p>\n
“The DA, therefore, proposes that funding for roads and highways comes from a fuel levy; one which is ring-fenced for exclusive use on roads infrastructure construction and maintenance only.”<\/p>\n
“The DA will continue in our fight for a toll-free Gauteng and use every avenue to our disposal.”<\/p>\n