The Department of Transport has noted and welcomes the verdict handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal on the matter relating to a challenge regarding the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.

We believe that the SCA ruling further vindicates our long held position as government that we have sufficiently consulted the public before the introduction of the electronic tolling project on some sections of the Gauteng highways.

“We have always asserted that as a responsible government we have done everything as required by law. The verdict handed down by the SCA is a confirmation of the earlier finding of the North Gauteng High Court which after a thorough review of the challenge brought before it, ruled that there was sufficient consultation carried out by government,” says Department of Transport spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso.

Regarding the implementation process, the Department is pleased to announce the proclamation of the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Act. This follows the enactment of the legislation into law by the President.

Today we also published the following in the Government Gazette for the information of the public in relation to this process:

·       Four sets of regulations; namely Conditions of Tolling, Exemption from Tolling, E-toll road signage and E-toll specifications.

We have also published the Toll Tariffs for comment by the public for a period of 30 days. We encourage the public to participate in this process to ensure that their views are taken on board. The Minister of Transport will consider the inputs before making a final determination on the tariffs that motorists will pay on the tolled road network.

The Department calls on the public to register for e-tolling and obtain tags in order for them to access discounts and other benefits due to tag holders.