Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has requested an “urgent” meeting with Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele to discuss the widespread economic and business implications of the toll roads tariffs structure being rolled out in Gauteng.

Busa said that it accepted the need for effective road infrastructure funding and supported the principle of a toll road system, but believed that there needed to be more consultation to ensure that it did not exacerbate unemployment in the country.

“Since Gauteng generates a third of the country’s gross domestic product, it is also an issue of great national importance. It will raise the costs of doing business in South Africa even further beyond what could be considered competitive for a developing economy wanting to compete globally.”

The toll fees on 185 km of the province’s freeways would be introduced on June 23. If using an etag, toll fees will amount to 30c/km for motorcycles, 49,5c/km for cars, R1,49/km for trucks between 6 m and 12,5 m long, and R2,97/km for vehicles longer than 12,5 m. Discounts include frequent user price cuts.

Busa pointed out that the toll system would have the worst effect on those who could least afford it and added that freight transport costs could increase in excess of 20% with South African National Roads Agency Limited's (Sanral’s) current tariffs structure proposal, which would exert significant inflationary pressure through consequential increases in the costs of basic goods.

Commuter transport would also become more expensive, with workers already said to be spending up to 60% of their salaries on transport.

Busa said that it had, to date, been unable to get a clear picture of the new tariffs structure and its implications for business, despite numerous attempts to do so since May 2010.

“In coming to its present tariffs structure proposal, Sanral has not allowed for significant consultation with business stakeholders or the broader public.”