/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Today, 3 December 2013, marks the introduction of the tolling system for
the roads built as part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan. These
roads, which are currently a network of more than 150 kilometres, are
part of the only 19% tolled roads in South Africa as compared to more
than 80% of our country’s roads that are funded from the national fiscus.

Since they were completed at the start of this decade, these roads have
been used and enjoyed by motorists with significant benefits to the
province and its people; boosting economic growth, social development and
creating a myriad of economic opportunities. The African National
Congress is grateful to the almost 1 million South Africans who have
already bought their e-tags and committed themselves to work with
government to even further improve our world-class and sophisticated
infrastructure. Infrastructure that all of us are in agreement has
lightened the burden of traveling time and road safety, providing much
needed time to motorists to do the things they would rather do than
sitting in traffic. What remains a point of disagreement is not that the
roads have indeed been improved, but rather the funding model that has
been adopted.

The African National Congress is aware of and appreciates the
dissatisfaction of many road users with regard to the implementation of
the e-tolls. Part of this dissatisfaction arises from the lack of an
integrated, safe and reliable public transport system, which would allow
motorist options when confronted with the introduction of the user pay
principle as in the case of the tolled roads. Others feel that the burden
to the taxpayer is already cumbersome and therefore the introduction of
the e-tolls will significantly prejudice an already cash strapped
taxpayer.It is because of these and many other varied and legitimate
concerns that the ANC government has, since 2008, been involved in
consultations with various stakeholders on the implementation of the
e-tolls. The tolling of roads is a globally accepted funding model based
on the user pay principle. The justness, constitutionality and
appropriateness of the funding model has been tested, deliberated upon
and defended on a number of public platforms including amongst them our
respected courts, the multiparty legislatures and many public hearings.
E-tolling has undergone and passed the thorough and rigorous tests of
justice and constitutionality.

Upon hearing the concerns of our people, significant concessions were
made including amongst them the exemption, through totally scrapping
tolling fees, for public transport, which is used by the poorest and most
vulnerable in our province. Government has also established significant
discounts for registered users and made commitments to cap the costs
payable by a user per month thus providing an opportunity for planning
and certainty. The Gauteng Government, for its part, has also built and
upgraded more than 200 kilometres of alternative non-tolled roads in
Gauteng. Amongst others the Bus Rapid Transit system and the Gautrain
have been introduced and there is a massive drive to upgrade our rail
network. While accepting the limitations and opportunities presented by
the e-tolling project, the African National Congress encourages South
Africans to support the long-term vision of world-class infrastructure
that critically contributes to moving our country and continent forward.
To this end, the African National Congress calls upon motorists in their
numbers to register for their e-toll accounts so as to take advantage of
the benefits of being registered including discounted rates for frequent
users. The ANC further calls for restraint from all members of society
against mobilising for lawlessness as it relates to the e-tolls.

Extensive consultations have taken place around the funding model of the
Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan and concerted effort made to resolve the
mutual challenges identified. The e-roads are a significant contributor
to the unlocking of greater economic potential of the country and the
region. We all have a part to play.