Outcry over Gauteng toll tariffs

By Lelethu Mquqo
12 August 2011

Government’s announcement of the toll tariffs for Gauteng’s freeways has caused consternation.

AfriForum will be taking legal action, saying ordinary motorists are being discriminated against.

This is despite a reduction in the fees, which will now see light vehicles tolled at 40-cents a kilometre.

AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel says ordinary motorists will not be able to recover their toll expenses from their taxable income, as is the case with transport companies.

Cosatu says it is “shocked and angry” that there was no consultation and that its Gauteng branch was simply informed that the scheme would go ahead.

The trade union federation says the fees will impose a huge additional burden on road users, while generating huge profits for those who will be running the R20 billion system.

Business Unity SA says the exemptions granted to taxis and commuter busses will to some extent soften the pain for commuters, but it undermines the “user-pay” principle and complicates the system.

Busa also warns that the cost impact on fast-moving consumer goods, particularly basic foodstuffs, will still be felt most significantly by working and unemployed poor people.

The AA’s Gary Ronald also warns that the poor will be worst off. It also warns against possible civil disobedience.

The AA asks whether the authorities will be able to handle five-million disgruntled motorists, should the public rally together by not registering for e-tags and blatantly disregarding tolling costs and consequent fines.