“Government is not listening to the people!” E-tolls update
Following the recent questioning of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa by Parliament, the Automobile Association (AA) commented on his statements with the following:
“The insistence on implementing E-tolls, even under a new hybrid funding model, is yet another indication that government is not listening to the concerns of motorists in Gauteng on this issue.”
“Hundreds of individuals and organisations who gave input to the Gauteng E-Toll Advisory Panel (including the AA) clearly rejected E-tolls as a funding model for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). To suggest that the reduced e-tolling rate is based on submissions to the Advisory Panel is misleading,” the Association said.
“Furthermore, Mr Ramaphosa indicated that the costs of the E-tolls reduced the burden on the poor and low-income earners. This is not the case. The higher administration costs associated with E-tolls will, in the short and long-term, have major implications for the poor and low-income earners. If people are forced to pay E-tolls they will cut other expenses and this will impact negatively on marginalised communities,” added the AA.
The AA also stated their concern about the fact that even after the incredibly “lengthy” sitting of the E-toll Advisory Panel, the government is still persisting with E-tolls despite the overwhelming public sentiment against it.
“Our view, as it has been since the outset, is that a portion of the fuel levy must be ring-fenced to fund the GFIP. We support initiatives to improve roads in all provinces but funding these improvements through e-tolls is not the answer, as the unnecessary administration costs place an extra burden on motorists and the South African taxpayer,” added the Association.