The mayors of DA led municipalities of Stellenbosch, Threewaterskloof, Drakenstein, Breede Valley and the Winelands District have “expressed their unconditional opposition” to the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral) e-toll plans for the Western Cape.
The DA said the five mayors “wholeheartedly support the City of Cape Town in their attempt to obtain an interdict to stop this project and will soon formally meet with them” to discuss their involvement.
According to the opposition party’s five mayors, the proposed tolls on roads on the N1, between Old Oak and Sandhills and on the N2, between the R300 interchange and Botrivier, will have “far reaching consequences”.
“Commuters will have to pay through their teeth for the daily use of the roads and due to the nature of the areas where the toll roads are planned, the agriculture industry will especially suffer,” said the mayors.
The DA points out Sanral is unwilling to disclose the costs involving the toll project in the province as well as the impact it will have on road users.
Farmers in the five municipal areas reportedly spend millions of rands annually to transport their loads to and from the harbour in Cape Town.
“It is no secret that Western Cape roads are in good condition. Taxpayers contribute generously each year to the state coffers through personal and fuel taxes to keep our roads maintained,” said the DA.
