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DA calls for referendum on e-tolls

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance is demanding that a referendum be conducted in Gauteng to offer voters a choice on whether they want the e-toll system to pay for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.

Parliament has debated the transport laws and related matters amendment bill, moe commonly known as the e-toll bill.

Ian Ollis, DA MP in parliament, says in 19 years the government has never held a referendum.

“After 16 years of underinvestment by this government in road infrastructure, we cannot expect motorists to make up the cash shortfall caused by the funding crisis that now besets Sanral (the South African National Roads Agency).

"We have long called for ringfenced fuel levies that should only be used for road maintenance.

"Unfortunately the ruling party hates hearing advice from the opposition and therefore spent the fuel levies on bailing out SAA (R11bn), building freeways to Nkandla (hundreds of millions of rands) and jet fuel for Minister Sisulu (we lost count).

"Now, as Minister Gordhan is finding out, the money has run out and somebody has to pay for the roads,” Ollis said.

Ollis says the Opposition To Urban Tolling Alliance's court case has also not yet been finally heard, and the court may rule that the public's participation was inadequate and should be restarted.

“This will jeopardise the legality of implementing the e-toll before the case is heard.

"This leaves plenty of time for the Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a referendum in Gauteng on whether the e-toll funding model is acceptable to the public.”

Ollis said the DA is against the e-toll funding model primarily because it is the world’s most expensive toll collection system (up to R11bn over eight years).

“Far too much of the profits will go to Austria and not to pay for the roads in South Africa,” Ollis said.

“It’s high time we actually consulted Gauteng’s voters on the e-toll. We therefore call on Premier Mokonyane in conjunction with the IEC and this government to hold a referendum in Gauteng on the e-toll in April or May, prior to the implementation of the bill.”

Minister of Transport Ben Martins led the debate followed by Ruth Bengu, ANC MP and chair of parliament’s portfolio committee on transport.

 - Fin24

*Follow James-Brent Styan on Twitter by @jamesstyan.


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