The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance has rejected claims that it is encouraging Gauteng motorists to break the law by not paying their e-toll bills.
Chairman Wayne Duvenage said on Wednesday: “Outa has never condoned civil disobedience.
“We do however call for civil courage, a more sustainable manner of active citizenry wherein people can exercise their legal rights to express their disgust at the lack of respect for citizens' input.”
He was responding to statements made by Parliament's transport portfolio committee chairwoman Ruth Bhengu.
She said calls by the Congress of SA Trade Unions and the alliance for Gauteng motorists not to pay for the e-tolls undermined the country's Constitution and judiciary.
Duvenage denied making such a statement.
He said Outa merely warned the authorities of the many unintended consequences of forcing an irrational and unpopular policy onto South Africans.
He said the public had made its stand clear during public engagement sessions held in 2012.
“You only have to read the responses to press statements and blog discussions on the subject of e-tolls and you will see how the people feel.”
“This was not Outa's doing.”
He said the committee was aware of Outa's stance against e-tolling and the fact that its members had presented objections and input to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project steering committee.
“Outa's legal challenge is one avenue we have conducted to expose the wrongdoings of what it, along with many others, has condemned as an ill-conceived plan which is not in the best interests of society,” Duvenage said.
The organisation is expected to make an announcement on Friday regarding its plans. - Sapa