The planned second phase of e-tolling in Gauteng encompasses 300km of highways. (Gallo)
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is sitting with over 1.4-million unsold e-tags, according to Transport Minister Dipuo Peters.
"Sanral procured 2 107 000 e-tags over the past three years; [a total of] 1 427 900 have not been allocated," she said in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
The figures imply 679 100 e-tags have been sold. Six weeks ago, Sanral chief executive Nazir Ali said 600 000 e-toll tags were in circulation.
In her reply, Peters said Sanral had spent about R25.3-million during the period January to October this year on campaigns to encourage the public to buy e-tags.
This was in addition to about R11.3-million spent in November and December last year.
DA warns of more gantries
Meanwhile, the DA says the gantries on Jo'burg's highways are only the first phase of the e-tolling project – unless you vote them into power next year.
The existing gantries on the highways are only the first phase of the e-tolling project, DA Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi Maimane said on Tuesday.
Sanral intends to put up more gantries and extend e-tolling, he said.
"It is expected that at least 300km of the province's highways will be tolled in phase two of the project," Maimane said in Johannesburg.
"It is likely that this will be pushed through in the same manner as the existing phase, without proper consultation and at great expense."
Maimane urged Gauteng residents to make their vote count next year against e-tolling.
"The battle is on right now and the secondary phase of that [battle for the Democratic Alliance] is through the vote and ultimately the prospect of being in government," he said.
"I encourage everyone to take their opposition to the ballot box next year. Their vote will determine the trajectory of tolling in this province."
Maimane said a DA-led government would hold a referendum on e-tolling in the province.
"Residents would be able to vote whether they want tolling or not. – Sapa