Some e-toll gantries may be switched off
It appears the Gauteng e-toll review panel is making a breakthrough that could see motorists paying less to drive on the province's highways.
This follows media reports that the e-toll consultation team, headed by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, has agreed in principle to adopt some of the recommendations by the Gauteng e-toll review panel.
Should the recommendations be adopted into policy, then some gantries might be turned off.
There will also be exemptions at certain time of the day and off-peak discounts for motorists with e-tags.
Motorists will not, however, be completely off the hook, as higher motor vehicle licence fees are also recommended.
The Advertiser approached Sanral with a view to getting clarity on the matter.
We asked if they have adopted the recommendations, when they will be implemented, and if the road agency itself is satisfied with all the recommendations.
Sanral spokesman Vusi Mona indicated that the agency does not entertain recommendations, but he was also not totally dismissive of the panel’s recommendations.
“As an implementing agency of government, we execute policy; it is not within our purview to accept the recommendations made,” he said.
“We look forward to the outcome of the process led by Ramaphosa on e-tolling to provide policy clarity, as well as the funding model for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).”
Mona said the agency welcomes the fact that the user-pay principle was endorsed by the advisory panel. -@mailematsimela
