Pretoria - The implementation of the Gauteng e-tolling system in two months’ time will cost motorists travelling on the 185km of Gauteng's road network considerably less than is generally assumed.
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) Head of Communications, Vusi Mona, said the cost to some 80 percent of road users will be less than R100 per month.
“We know this because we have tracked actual usage by 2.5 million vehicles on the Gauteng e-roads. Less than one percent of road users will pay the maximum of R550 per month. For more than 90 percent of motorists, the cost will be below R200,” he said.
However, motorists have to get an e-tag and register an e-toll account. Presently, there are about 600 000 e-tag registrations.
This week, SANRAL announced the Gauteng e-tolling system will commence in two months’ time.
The relevant legislation – the Transport and Related Matters Amendment Bill – is winding its way through the parliamentary process.
Once adopted, Transport Minister Ben Martins will formally announce the tariffs, followed by the necessary notice period. This should take about two months.
“Since the first consultation of stakeholders about the building of open toll roads in Gauteng, SANRAL and government have made a number of concessions to ensure motorists and businesses enjoy maximum savings,” Mona said.
He said these benefits include real savings in vehicle-operating costs as a result of better quality roads and easier driving conditions, reduced congestion and driving times, and lives saved because the roads are better and safer.
“It is important to SANRAL that all motorists who use the toll roads, get more than they pay for, through significant savings in fuel, vehicle-maintenance and time costs.
“The lower charges were achieved mainly by the increase of the debt repayment period, as well as a R5.7 billion contribution by the National Treasury.
“Tariffs have been substantially reduced. For example, the initial proposal for light motor vehicles, equipped with an e-tag, was 50c/km but is now only 30c per km - a 40 percent reduction.
“Trucks and heavy vehicles will pay only R1.50 per km, instead of the initially-proposed R2.97,” he said.
E-tagged motorcyclists will pay only 18c per kilometre. In addition, SANRAL has introduced a range of discounts of up to 30 percent, to encourage drivers to use the roads outside of peak-hours or on weekends.
How the tariffs have been reduced since the initial proposals:
- E-tagged motorcycles: 30c/km to 18c/km
- E-tagged light motor vehicles: 49,5c/km to 30c/km
- E-tagged medium/heavy vehicles: R1.49/km to 75c/km
- E-tagged large/heavy vehicles: R2.97/km to R1.50/km
There are also discounts for frequent toll road-users and provisions are in place to consider applications for exemptions.
“It is also well worth noting that the base tariff has reduced considering that tolling was supposed to commence in 2011 and increase annually with CPI.
“The Minister of Finance also announced the introduction of monthly tariff-caps, to further reduce the burden on motorists and, as such, motorcycles and light vehicles will pay a maximum of R550 per month,” Mona said. - SAnews.gov.za
