DA opposes N1 and N2 toll roads

By Mishkah Anthony
10 September 2008

The Democratic Alliance has vowed to oppose the N1 and N2 toll roads outside Cape Town and threatening court action if necessary, if the project goes ahead with proper consultation.

DA member Robin Carlisle says the important thing about the tolling of the N1 and N2 is the huge impact it is going to have on the poorest of the poor.

These toll roads are the main commuter roads used by people from Wallacedene, Delft, blue downs, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain and other surrounding areas.

Carlisle also claims the whole process of public participation has not bee completed and not done correct, but yet South African National Roads Agency who are going to toll these roads is already carrying on as though the permission was granted.

The DA says that it learnt today that the ANC Provincial government has given qualified approval to the tolling of the roads, saying that they do not Support SANRAL’s intentions unconditionally(meaning that it does accept it with conditions).

Carlisle says this is going to be a major election issue and that the DA is totally opposed to the toll starting where it does on the R300.

“We do not oppose toll roads in general, but they must not affect the lives of millions of people who already pay far too much money for their transport.”

It must be conducted with a proper public participation. Carlisle says it requires the approval of the Municipalities through which the toll roads pass; he also adds that, he knows of Cape Town and Stellenbosch that has not been asked for approval.

“It requires that the ordinary people in Khayelitsha can have their say on this and be informed on the costs.”

Carlisle added that the worst thing is that they didn’t inform people of the cost yet. He says this is a very unsatisfactory situation.

“The DA will insure that it does not come out in its present form, if we have to go to court to do it we will.”