NEW E-TOLL DISPENSATION REFLECTIVE OF A CONSULTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Johannesburg, Wednesday 20 May, 2015
The African National Congress commends all stakeholders for the consultative and collaborative approach which has led to the announcement of the new dispensation on e-tolls by government led by the Deputy President of the Republic, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa today. We believe that the new e-tolls package announced moves the people of Gauteng - and by necessary extension of South Africa - forward; considering the need for sustainability of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
It has struck a balance between the needs and concerns of the people of Gauteng and the imperatives of developing South African society and our economy through large-scale infrastructure.
The ANC further commends the retention of important principles such as the user-pay principle, maintaining South Africa’s creditworthiness and promoting decongestion on freeways in the country’s economic hub. We welcome the concessions made and outlined that include:
1. Exemption of public transport from paying the tolls
2. The reduction of the flat rate
3. National and Gauteng government’s subsidization of the shortfall
4. E-tags not being compulsory thus lightening the administrative burden on the consumer
5. The introduction of multiple payment points that include municipal offices
6. The waiver of a charge for infrequent users who use the gantry passes less than 30 times per annum
7. The decriminalisation of non-compliance and a sixty percent discount for defaulters
Government and the ANC have listened to the concerns of the people of Gauteng. This is a clear demonstration of participatory representative democracy and the relevance and power of public consultation. With the new dispensation unfolding, it is essential for the people of Gauteng and South Africa at large to get back to the business of building a better South Africa.
This can be achieved by making use of the compromises that have been made, and complying with the new linkage between e-toll payments and the issuing or renewal of vehicle licences. The concessions made are a direct response to the outcry by lower to middle income households about the impact of e-toll tariffs on their pockets.
The people have been heard, and Government has responded positively. We now need to work together as South Africans to keep Gauteng moving forward. The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan remains a critical component of our drive to support economic development through investment in the building and maintenance of quality economic infrastructure.
ANC National Spokesperson Zizi Kodwa
ANC Gauteng Provincial Spokesperson Nkenke Kekana
Statement issued by the ANC, May 20 2015
