Johannesburg - Cabinet will consider proposed alternatives to
e-tolling, government and the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance
(Outa) said on Thursday.
They two camps said in a joint statement they would continue to consult on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
The statement was issued after a meeting in Pretoria
between Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Outa chairperson Wayne
Duvenage.
Outa and government agreed on the need for roads that
would serve the economy, the need for users to pay for road
improvements, and the importance of decongestion and more efficient
public transport.
"A key area of difference... was e-tolling as a mechanism for decongestion and funding of road infrastructure," they said.
Outa wants a fuel levy to be used to fund freeway improvements, in view of Gauteng's economic importance.
Government stressed the need for users to pay for upgraded roads and the importance of combating road congestion.
Government highlighted the range of improvements to
public transport in Gauteng, as well as the R550-a-month cap on GFIP
toll fees.
"Deputy President Motlanthe welcomed Outa's engagement
with government and undertook that cabinet would consider Outa's
proposals on alternatives through future consultations," the statement
said.