The much-awaited toll tariff and stakeholder engagement report, which would review the toll tariff structure and to explore various options to reduce the impact of the e-tolling cost on road users on Gauteng’s freeways, would be finalised by May 13.

The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project Steering Committee, appointed by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, has put the final touches to the report, which should have been completed at the end of April.

The Department of Transport pointed to an overwhelming response from organisations, and said that inputs received thus far indicated a general understanding and appreciation of the “user-pay principle” linked to the tolling of roads as a worldwide phenomenon.

“A general contention that has also been raised strongly is about the rates of the proposed tariff,” the department said in a statement.

The tariffs proposed by the South African National Roads Agency would mean motorists would pay 66 c/km, before discounts, to drive a car on Gauteng’s upgraded highways.

Ndebele suspended the gazetted tariffs on March 8, to allow for consultation.

The steering committee has received inputs from, and consulted with organisations, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the South African Communist Party, the Democratic Alliance, the South African Roads Federation, Business Unity South Africa and the Road Freight Association.

“We are quite pleased with the overwhelming response received from all the stakeholders. As the steering committee consolidates and prepares to finalise its report, it is our hope that this process has enabled us to engage fruitfully on this important initiative in the overall improvement of our transport infrastructure and system,” said Ndebele.

The report would be submitted to Ndebele and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.

The deadline for the report moved to May, following an overwhelming response from organised formations and civil society, and with the Easter holiday break, the steering committee had to reschedule its follow-up engagement and consultation with the stakeholders.