Mayors to fight tolls in Western Cape

We, the mayors of the DA-led municipalities of Stellenbosch, Theewaterskloof, Drakenstein, Breede Valley and the Winelands District want to express our unconditional opposition to Sanral's proposed N1 and N2 Winelands toll project. 

We wholeheartedly support the City of Cape Town in their attempt to obtain an interdict to stop this project and will soon formally meet with them to discuss our involvement.

The proposed toll roads on the N1 (from the Old Oak interchange to Sandhills) and N2 (from the R300 interchange to Botrivier) will have far reaching consequences for the communities we serve. 

Commuters will have to pay through their teeth for the daily use of the roads and due to the nature of the areas where the toll roads are planned, the agriculture industry will especially suffer.

Sanral is not willing to disclose the cost of the project, the possible toll or the impact on road users. 

Farmers already spend millions each year to transport their loads to and from the Cape Town harbour. 

The planned toll will be a tremendous additional financial burden to this industry and the many people it employs under difficult financial circumstances.

It is no secret that Western Cape roads are in good condition. 

Taxpayers contribute generously each year to the state coffers (through personal- as well as fuel taxes) to keep our roads maintained. 

In the Western Cape millions are spent annually on the maintenance of road infrastructure. 

In our municipalities as well as the City of Cape Town, further tolls will lead to the poor in our communities becoming poorer and deprive all the residents of this province of their freedom of movement and opportunity.

Mayor Conrad Sidego (Stellenbosch)

Mayor Basil Kivedo (Breedevallei)

Mayor Gesie Van Deventer (Drakenstein)

Mayor Chris Punt (Theewaterskloof)

Mayor Neels De Bruyn (Winelands District Municipality)

Issued by the DA, March 28 2013

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