Johannesburg - Opposition parties in Gauteng have slammed premier David Makhura’s renewed call to road users to pay e-tolls.
Despite the announcement of a reduction of e-toll fares by deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, the EFF told the legislature that Makhura’s decision to set up a review panel in July 2014 was a waste of money.
The reaction came after Makhura, during his budget vote on Thursday, told the legislature the amended fees were a relief for them. “We are pleased to announce that, after thorough consultation, we now have a new dispensation on the e-tolls which provides major relief to the people of Gauteng,” Makhura said.
“I would like thank the people of Gauteng and the rest of society for the contributions they have made towards the new dispensation on e-tolls.
“We urge motorists and the people of Gauteng to support the new dispensation and pay their tariffs. Any concerns will be addressed if they are raised with us. Problems of democracy must be addressed through more democracy, not anarchy and lawlessness.”
The EFF and DA, despite their differences, were adamant they would not pay e-tolls. Gauteng DA leader John Moodey said e-tolls were an extra burden for local residents, especially as the average household budget in Gauteng was stretched to the limit.
“The supposed reduced e-toll rate brings no relief to Gauteng’s people, who are forced to use their private vehicles to get to and from work because a reliable public transport service is practically nonexistent,” Moodey said.
Above inflation-rate hikes in municipal service fees, electricity and other services would continue to place a heavy burden on the people, especially the poor, he added.
NEW RATES GAZETTED
Meanwhile, there’s little hope of e-tolls being dropped as the reduced rates have been gazetted.
Under the new legislation all motorists will be charged the existing e-tag rate of 30c per kilometre whether they have e-tags or not.
The 58c/km rate has been the standard rate for light vehicles since 2013, and those with e-tags have had the discount tariff of 30c/km.
Now, alternate users, who are not registered with the South African National Roads Agency Limited, will be charged the same amount as registered users - if their account is paid within seven days from the date and time they pass under an e-toll gantry.
However, if the amount is not paid within this period, the user will have to pay 60 percent of an amount three times more than the standard rate. Registered users have 31 days in which to pay.
However, Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance chairman Wayne Duvenage said the new amendments weren’t enough.
“The e-toll rates haven’t changed, it’s still 30c/km. We will continue to fight to adjust the fees,” he said.
E-tolls charged under the amended act will be payable from 2 July 2.
The Star