e-tolls

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) says that provincial legislatures must insist on debating e-tolling legislation as the South African National Roads Agency Limited implements future e-tolling projects.
 
OUTA spokesperson, John Clarke, points out that, "There can be no argument against the fact that an e-toll system introduced within the confines of any urban area will have a considerable impact on road congestion, maintenance, and other pertinent matters at a provincial level."
 

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) has urged the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to be transparent on e-tag sales in light of the impression it is creating that motorists are ‘clamouring’ to be tagged.

OUTA spokesperson, John Clarke, points out that, “SANRAL’s number of 1.2 million e-tags 'taken up' is hogwash.”

In press statement, Clarke argues that, “What does 'taken up' mean? If they are inferring that these are fitted in cars making use of the Gauteng freeways, this is misinformation.”

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) has accused the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) of unfair business practices.

In a press statement, OUTA points out that, “SANRAL is practicing ‘business disobedience’ by expecting users of the freeways to pay without affording them the courtesy of normal invoicing and billing procedures."

The organisation states that such ‘Stalinist’ tendencies and SANRAL’s aggressive and threatening approach to the public is doing them no favours.

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) admits to some glitches in the e-toll collection system.

Spokesperson of SANRAL, Vusi Mona, expressed to a local newspaper that there had been some 'genuine' complaints about the system.

“There are genuine customer complaints, there is no system that is foolproof and 100 percent correct,” states Mona.

To read the article titled, “SANRAL admits to e-toll glitches in collection system,” click here.

Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has expressed anger towards Transport Minister, Dipuo Peter’s announcement of the beginning of e-tolling on Gauteng’s highways on 3 December 2013.

Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) chairperson, Wayne Duvenage, states that the e-tolling system is bound to fail, as it is inefficient, irrational, and would enrich overseas companies at the expense of South African motorists.

Duvenage says that OUTA believes the most equitable way to pay for the maintenance of highways would be through a fuel levy.

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) says the Gauteng e-tolling controversy offers President Jacob Zuma the opportunity to indicate to government officials what he means by consultation.
 
OUTA chairperson, Wayne Duvenage, states that they agree with the president’s notion however are let down by the actions displayed by the authorities in ignoring the views of the people.
 
Zuma told residents in Soshanguve that South Africans want to be engaged continuously and have strong views about how they want to be governed.
 

The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) says it will not appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal's dismissal of its challenge to e-tolls.
 
OUTA chairperson, Wayne Duvenage, states that the organisation will not appeal the judgment as it is constrained by lack of funding.
 
Duvenage notes that to appeal, OUTA will need R3.3 million and can no longer afford to appeal, adding that despite that, the organisation will never stop denouncing the e-tolls.
 

Parliament's transport portfolio committee on transport says Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance’s (OUTA) call for motorists not to pay for e-tolls in Gauteng defies the Constitution.
 
The committee has urged both e-tolling critics to demonstrate their respect for the law by accepting the decision made by the courts.