13 January 2012
The SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has decided that e-tolling will not go ahead at the beginning of February.
In a statement released today, the agency said its newly-appointed board was appraised by transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele yesterday.
Matters discussed at the meeting included the controversial e-tolling system that was set to be implemented in Gauteng from next month.
“With regards to e-tolling in Gauteng, the board is currently seized with this very serious matter and will address the current stakeholder concerns and issues raised in the petitions submitted to the minister.”
Sanral adds that the board is committed to meeting all its obligations to the stakeholders, and is exploring different modalities.
“The board will present their findings to the minister, following which the minister will present a report to Cabinet. Therefore, e-tolling in Gauteng will not commence during February 2012.”
Strong opposition
Cabinet in August approved reduced tariffs for e-tolling in Gauteng, which dictate that motorcycles (Class A1) with e-tags will pay 24c/km; light vehicles (Class A2) will pay 40c/km; medium vehicles (Class B) 100c/km; and “longer” vehicles (Class C) 200c/km.
Qualifying commuter taxis (Class A2) and commuter buses (Class B) are completely exempt from the e-toll system.
The reduction for light vehicles without e-tags was from 66c/km to 58c/km, and from R3.95/km for heavy vehicles without e-tags to R2.95/km.
The system is strongly opposed by labour, political parties, business, fleet associations and citizens.
E-tags are now available at Checkers, Pick n Pay and Shoprite stores, for R50. They are also available from e-toll customer service outlets in shopping malls across Gauteng, consumer centres along the Gauteng e-road, via www.sanral.co.za, or the Sanral Call Centre.
[Story by Farzana Rasool appeared on ITWeb.co.za]