Only solution to e-tolls: scrap it – DA
The party said the country could not afford a R600m e-toll collection contract rollover.
The DA believes the window to scrap e-tolls is closing and has described the finding of a solution to the system as a “matter of urgency”.
“If e-tolls are not scrapped before the year ends, then the collection contract with ETC, which is due to end on 2 December 2019, could be renewed,” said DA shadow transport MEC Fred Nel.
“Renewing the contract could cost Sanral over R600-million in the coming year.”
“This could have gone towards paying off Sanral’s e-toll debts.”
Nel said the country could not afford for this to happen.
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula last week again postponed the deadline for the final recommendation on the future of e-tolls to president Cyril Ramaphosa. but assured the public the matter was his top priority and was being attended to on an urgent basis.
“This is a complex and sensitive matter of national importance [and] it should not be subjected to mechanical procedures and timetables,” he said.
“All ideas and options must be thoroughly ventilated and carefully considered for the best possible solution to be found.”
Mbalula was leading a team instructed to make a final recommendation on the future of e-tolls to Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa had given the team the 31 August deadline, which was extended for the first time at the beginning of September.
READ MORE: Sanral revenue dips as motorists remain defiant over e-tolls
It has thus far been a roller coaster year for the struggling tolling system.
In August, reports claimed the new Aarto traffic legislation could result in Gauteng motorists paying hefty fines for not paying e-tolls.
The Organisation undoing tax abuse (Outa) again this week highlighted that Aarto laws could see motorists fined as much as R250 per gantry for ignoring a clearly marked road sign on the freeway.
The road traffic infringement agency has denied this.
E-toll compliance has also been called into question.
Earlier this month, Sanral announced it had received 63 percent less revenue from e-tolls in the 2018/19 financial year compared to the year before.
ETC had not commented at the time of publication.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
