In the last round of the panel discussion regarding the fate of the e-toll in Midrand on Friday, the panel leaned to a hybrid solution of paying e-toll and the upgrades of roads. This, however, was described by John Clark, spokesperson for the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) as a cure worse than the disease.
Clark said OUTA feels vindicated by the many positive elements contained within Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s e-toll panel report, but raises as many concerns for a number of statements made therein.
“Furthermore, OUTA’s vindication has been heightened by the support expressed during the workshops by the vast majority of people and organisations present at the consultation on Friday. The suggested hybrid model is a combination consisting basically of e-toll plus revenue from increased licencing fees and maybe some provincial fuel levy. This makes it extremely complicated. The report gives an elaborate explanation of this,” said Clark.
He said OUTA understands the awkward position the Gauteng Provincial Government now faces, having to fix a problem that was handed to them by the National Executive. “We are however concerned that the compromise of this hybrid model as suggested is a cure worse than the disease,” he said
He explained the suggestions contained in the hybrid funding proposals, as having significant unintended consequences and high costs to motorists, if these were to be implemented.
The biggest problem, according to OUTA, is the panel’s suggestion to hold on to the ill-conceived an ill-fated e-toll scheme as a major funding mechanism. At the same time, even though the suggestion of a national funding model falls outside of its jurisdiction, the panel has downplayed the suggestion of a full funding from the National Fiscus and/or fuel levy.
“All in all, we commend the Premier for a comprehensive job thus far, but whether he recommends the proposals therein, which is largely to seek to contain the costs of the upgrade to the Gauteng residents, remained to be seen,” he said.
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