/ 4 February 2011

AA concerned over highway cost

The cost of the Gauteng highway improvement project will have “horrific” implications for motorists, the Automobile Association (AA) said on Friday.

Spokesperson Gary Ronald said: “We’re likely to see alternative routes becoming gridlock areas where back roads offer a toll free substitute … A trip from William Nichol to the airport could cost you a cool R38.”

He said South Africans may need to relook at public transport.

The move would also put a “nasty dent” in the freight industry’s pocket, said Ronald.

Earlier, the South African National Roads Agency announced it would cost motorists 66 cents a kilometre.

Its chief executive officer Nazir Alli said motorists who purchased the e-tag system would pay 49,5 cents a kilometre, while medium-sized vehicles with the e-tag system will be charged R1,49 a kilometre. Heavy duty vehicles with an e-tag will be charged R2,97 per kilometre.

Alli said that motorists would get further discounts depending on when they used the highway and on whether they were frequent users. — Sapa