Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on Friday called for “constructive proposals and solutions” to the toll road system to be introduced on 185 km of Gauteng freeways on June 23.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) on February 4 announced the toll fee structure, approved by Ndebele, for the newly upgraded roads.

If using an e-tag, the fees will reach 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. All fees are inclusive of VAT. A number of discounts, such as frequent-user discount, are available.

However, since February 4, several consumer organisations, transport companies, taxi bodies and trade unions had expressed their concern about the fee structure.

“The user-pay principle to upgrade and expand the Gauteng freeways was mooted by the Gauteng provincial government in the late 1990s. Since then, there have been numerous engagements and consultations between national government, provincial and local government in Gauteng, as well as other stakeholders,” noted Ndebele.

“Based on these engagements and consultations spanning more than a decade, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) was finally approved with funding from a R20-billion interest accruing loan. Whilst the repayment of this loan cannot be reprioritised, the interests of taxpayers must not be compromised.”

Ndebele added that his department had listened to the various comments on the toll system, and that there would now be further engagement on the matter.

“However, constructive proposals and solutions are required. There will be no scapegoats. The taxi industry, through the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), has shown leadership on this matter and has already come forward with proposals. We are engaging with Santaco on their proposals. We, therefore, invite other individuals and organisations to do the same,” he said.
 
He added that “these engagements” would culminate in a Department of Transport roads funding summit to take place in March.

While the summit would seek to resolve any GFIP tolling issues, it will also look at matters related to the funding, construction and maintenance of roads in South Africa.

“We need good roads throughout the country, and we have to come up with innovative ways to finance them. Let us look for solutions and not scapegoats,” said Ndebele.