Johannesburg - The Gauteng e-Tolling system will benefit
motorists, SA National Roads Agency CEO Nazir Alli said on
Wednesday.
Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Johannesburg
Press Club, Alli defended the contentious tolling system in Gauteng, saying
little was mentioned of the benefits it would bring for motorists.
This included better roads decreasing the cost of wear and
tear on vehicles.
SA Transport and Allied Workers Union general secretary
Zenzo Mahlangu said workers remained worried and he repeated Cosatu's call for
an integrated public transport system.
"We are quite worried... in particular with this
monster called e-Tolling.
"This animal with so many tails, we believe will have a
depleting impact of our pockets," he said.
Alli said he did not believe transport was the solution to
"our problems at all".
He said while a well-oiled, integrated transport system may
"make life easier", it would not solve the problems.
According to proposals of the new Gauteng toll tariffs, users
of light motor vehicles would pay 40c/km instead of 49c/km, minibus taxi
drivers 11c/km instead of 16c and bikers 24c instead of 30c/km.
The initial tariff announced was 66c/km for vehicles without
an e-tag account.
But the amount sparked an outcry from civil society, with
Cosatu threatening strike action.
Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele and Gauteng Premier Nomvula
Mokonyane met to discuss the matter and announced that a task team would
examine the costing and make alternative proposals.
An e-tag works much like pre-paid cellphone airtime, fits on
the front windscreen of a vehicle and is scanned by toll gantries.
For medium vehicles, the toll fee was reduced from R1.49/km
to R1 and for large vehicles from R2.97 to R2. For commuter buses the cost
would be reduced from 50c/km to 36c.
The proposals were made to the transport and finance
ministers, as well as the Gauteng premier. They will then make a pronouncement
on the matter, with Ndebele expected to make a final announcement.
Alli said it remained up to Ndebele on whether the proposal
would be accepted.