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Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier David Makhura's move to commission a panel to assess the impact e-tolling has on the province indicates that government has doubts about the system, the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) said on Friday.
"I think the premier has a duty to be diplomatic but this has indicated that the government is having second thoughts," said Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven.
During his state of the province address in Thokoza, south of Johannesburg, Makhura said a panel would be set up to review the impact of e-tolls, the SABC reported.
Government would invite new proposals on how a lasting solution could be found, according to the broadcaster.
"We must make it clear that we cannot close our eyes to the cries of sectors of our population who are severely affected by the cost of travelling in the province," Makhura was quoted as saying.
"How we finance this infrastructure must be deliberated upon and agreed upon by all of us."
Craven said Cosatu, which has been largely opposing the system, would be glad to be part of the review panel.
"We will be happy to participate provided that it's genuine unlike the panel held by Sanral (SA National Road Agency) which was just a sham," said Craven.
He said the tolls were an "inefficient way to raise money and the system was doomed to failure".
The trade union would continue to encourage motorists to not buy e-tags, he said.
E-tolling was implemented in Gauteng in December despite several court challenges to halt the project.
