The Democratic Alliance (DA) is pushing its fight against the controversial e-tolling system in Gauteng and has demanded a referendum to properly facilitate the public’s opinions on the matter.
HumanIPO reported in February the DA’s call for a referendum was supported by a constitutional law expert.
Ian Ollis, shadow minister of transport for the DA, said: “After 16 years of underinvestment by this government in road infrastructure, we cannot expect motorists to make up the cash shortfall caused by the funding crisis that now besets Sanral [South African Roads Agency Limited].
“We have long called for ring-fenced fuel levies that should only be used for road maintenance.”
According to calculations made by the DA, a 10 to 14 cents fuel levy would cover the costs of the road freeway upgrades.
“Unfortunately the ruling party hates hearing advice from the opposition and therefore spent the fuel levies on bailing out SAA… building freeways to Nkandla… and jet fuel for Minister Sisulu. Now as [finance] minister Gordhan is finding out, the money has run out and somebody needs to pay for the roads!” said Ollis.
The DA today demanded a referendum, following their calls for one in February. The DA demands the referendum be conducted in Gauteng province in order to offer voters a choice as to whether they agree with the system or not.
The DA has launched an online application for all South Africans to sign, regardless of location.
The application requires a name and mobile number. Furthermore it allows for a petitioner to send the application to a friend via SMS, as well as the options to share on Facebook or Twitter.
The DA’s reasons for not supporting the e-toll funding model includes: “It is the world’s most expensive toll collection system, far too much of the profits will go to Austria and not to pay for the roads in South Africa; and there are many more efficient funding models available, such as fuel levies or license fees.”
