Johannesburg - The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) has welcomed the Western Cape High Court's decision to halt the proposed N1/N2 Winelands Toll Highway Project pending a review.
The case had demonstrated the SA Roads Agency Limited's (Sanral) lack of legal compliance, and had highlighted the contradictions in its policy, Outa chairman Wayne Duvenage said on Wednesday.
“In the Gauteng e-tolling case, Sanral claimed that the cost of tolling was known before the decision to embark on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was taken,” he said in a statement.
“Yet, in the Cape, Sanral's counsel claimed the opposite, saying that tolling costs couldn't be determined until the decision to build the roads was taken…
“We are amazed that Sanral was prepared to build the N1/N2 Winelands project without knowing what it would cost the road user.”
On Tuesday, Western Cape High Court Judge Ashley Binns-Ward ordered that interim relief be granted to the City of Cape Town pending a review of Sanral's decision to implement the project.
The review date has yet to be determined.
Duvenage said the judgment emphasised Sanral's tendency to withhold relevant information.
“This tactic and lack of transparency by Sanral has often been observed by Outa during our protracted legal case over the Gauteng e-tolling system.”
“The City of Cape Town's court victory is heartening, but the fight isn't over yet. The case clearly showed that Sanral is prepared to ram e-tolling through at virtually any cost.”
Sanral said on Tuesday it accepted the court's decision.
“(Sanral) will study the judgment and determine the way forward,” spokesman Vusi Mona said.
“What was never in dispute is that upgraded and well-maintained roads are essential for economic growth and social development in the Western Cape; this is in everyone's interest.” - Sapa