The DA this morning made its submission to Premier David Makhura’s e-toll review panel, with the emphatic message that the electronic tolling of Gauteng’s highways is unjust and must go.
 

 
Click here <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_-slGu8-FTxam1keDlLQjllb0k/view?usp=sharing>  to view a copy of the submission.
 

 
In our submission the DA outlines the impact of e-tolls on the province as a whole, and that it goes beyond the pockets of motorists.
 

 
We argue that the shroud of secrecy surrounding the procurement, construction and operator costs of the GFIP, e-tolling and the substantial percentages of revenue leaving the country needs to be lifted, and all aspects of the above be made public.
 

 
So too do we submit that the cumbersome system of billing and collection, as well as SANRAL’s heavy-handedness in forcing motorists to purchase e-tags, speaks of a government out of touch with the needs of the people.
 

 
Increased transport costs push up commodity prices and stifle economic growth, and due to the size of the provincial economy, harms South Africa’s growth prospects.
 

 
Furthermore, the contracting economy would have a devastating effect on job creation. In particular, the engine of economic growth that are small and medium enterprises would have to cope with increased operating costs.
 

 
The DA therefore proposes that funding for roads and highways come from the fuel levy; one which is ring-fenced for exclusive use on roads infrastructure construction and maintenance only.
 

 
The DA will continue in our fight for a toll-free Gauteng, and use every avenue to our disposal.

Issued by DA