E-tolls to stay but costs reduced

File photo: Bongiwe Mchunu.

File photo: Bongiwe Mchunu.

Published May 20, 2015

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Parliament - Despite widespread condemnation of Gauteng's e-tolling, the system is here to stay, but motorists will pay less to use the freeways.

The new tariff structure was announced by deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

"A single reduced tariff will be applied to all motorists. As an example the standard tariff of 58 cents per kilometre for light motor vehicles will be reduced to 30 cents per kilometre. This is almost a 50 percent reduction," Ramaphosa, who headed a government task team looking into e-tolls in the province, said while addressing journalists in Cape Town. Under the new system, motorcyclists will pay 18c/km, medium heavies 75c/km and large heavy vehicles will be liable for 150c/km.

The monthly cap for motorists has also been dramatically reduced.

Drivers of light motor vehicles will pay a maximum of R225 a month, half the previous price, while motorcyclists will be capped at R125, mediums at R875 and heavies at R2900.

There is also some dispensation to infrequent users as motorists can now pass their first 30 gantries a year without incurring charges.

Both the national and provincial governments will add some funds to the kitty to help Sanral with the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project's funding shortfall that the new fees will lead to.

Ramaphosa also threatened motorists who don't pay their e-toll fees.

While motorists will receive a 60 percent discount on fees currently owing, they'll have to settle outstanding fees before being able to renew their vehicle licences.

 

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