Second thoughts on e-tolls?

Johannesburg - The Gauteng government is taking a second look at e-tolls as a funding source for building highways in the province, the Sunday Independent reported.

"We have had long discussions in the ANC Gauteng and in government... There is still dissatisfaction with the funding model," Gauteng roads and transport MEC Ismail Vadi told the newspaper.

"We are taking a second look at the matter."

He said that the government was also looking at settling debt in the e-toll system.

The Sunday Independent reported that just over 35% of drivers passing the gantries were paying their bills and that according to Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, less than 10% of R543m in unpaid bills, was recovered.

"E-tolls still remain a valid option but there are also discussions about a provincial fuel levy or a provincial tax or shadow tolling."

Vadi said, however, that government would not scrap e-tolls as it was considered important infrastructure.