The implementation of the controversial e-tolling in Gauteng may be imminent after the National Assembly passed the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill.
Tiyani Rikhotso, spokesperson for the Department of Transport, told The New Age newspaper the bill is currently with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The NCOP will have to pass the bill before it is sent back to the National Assembly.
From the National Assembly “the bill will then be sent on to the president for consideration. If the president signs it into law, the minister [of transport, Ben Martins] immediately assumes the mandate to implement that legislation”, Rikhotso said.
Following the president’s approval, Martins would then make a comprehensive announcement on the e-toll project’s implementation and tariffs. However, a 14-day period must run its course before the e-tolling can commence.
Addressing parliament early last month, Martins said: “An important component of the [Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project] network is the electronic toll collection (ETC) system. The bill is essential to enhance the appropriate implementation of the ETC system.”
Martins believes traffic on Gauteng’s highways would continue to escalate should e-tolling not be implemented.
Wayne Duvenage, chairman of the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA), expressed his dissatisfaction with the passing of the bill.
“It is a shocking reality that the e-toll launch is nearing two years after its planned initial launch date of April 2011. One would have expected all the regulatory and system requirements would have been in place at that time, yet, the Department of Transport and Sanral keep blaming OUTA for their delay in launching their irrational and expensive plan,” said Duvenage.
