SACP voices concern over Gauteng tolling system

Gauteng’s new tolling system will raise the prices of basic commodities and public transport, the South African Communist Party (SACP) said on Wednesday.

“This will negatively affect working-class communities and the poor, considering that they mostly use public transport,” the party’s Gauteng secretary, Jacob Mamabolo, said in a statement.

“Of major concern to us is the poor consultation processes leading to this new system ... This has left a lot of questions unanswered as some stakeholders were not taken on board.”

Widespread criticism
The South African National Roads Agency announced the tariffs for the 185km Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project last week.

CEO Nazir Alli said motorists who purchased the e-tag system would pay 49,5c/km.

Those who didn’t would pay 66c/km.

Medium-sized vehicles with the e-tag would be charged R1,49/km and heavy-duty vehicles with an e-tag R2,97/km.

Motorists would get further discounts depending when they used the highway and whether they were frequent users.

The tolling system drew widespread criticism, with concerns over its complexity and the effect on the economy.

Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele said on Monday there would be “further engagement” on the system, due to be implemented in June this year.

The SACP said it would take the matter up with the ANC “to try to find ways to collectively alleviate the plight of working-class communities and the poor”.—Sapa