Today, 24 March 2011 the Steering Committee on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project started with public consultations and engagements on the tolling of the freeway system and public transport improvements in the province.
The Steering Committee, chaired by Transport Director-General George Mahlalela, met with stakeholders from the business fraternity. Included among the stakeholders at the public consultations today were:
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Business Unity South Africa (BUSA);
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Road Freight Association (RFA);
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Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing (SAVRALA);
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Automobile Association (AA);
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National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA);
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Retail Motor Industry (RMI);
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South African Tourism Association (SATSA);
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Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce (JCC);
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Afriforum;
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Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA),
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Accredited Chamber, and
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South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Ever since the tolling of the freeway system in the Gauteng province was announced and the Department of Transport invited submissions from organised formations and members of civil society, scores of written submissions have been received. Thus far, the majority of the submissions received raised concerns and indicate dissatisfaction about the tariffs that have proposed.
In today's meeting with the business fraternity, held in a very cordial environment, various presentations were made with very much an emphasis on the majority of concerns raised.Some of the concerns raised pertained to:
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How the tariffs were arrived at;
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Why the tariffs seem expensive;
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Why the freeway improvement project should be tolled at all;
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The need for proper planning and making available alternative means of transport, and
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Seeking and finding alternative sources of funding.
The Steering Committee emphasised that the submissions made by the business sector and other stakeholders as the process unfolded were very valuable and would be treated with the critical consideration they deserve. These submissions will influence the outcome of the consultation process.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele appointed the Steering Committee to review the Gauteng freeway toll tariff structure and to explore various options in order to reduce the impact of the e-tolling cost on road users.
South African National Roads Agency Limited SANRAL is a non-profit agency of the Ministry of Transport committed to the socio-economic growth of Gauteng and South Africa through the maintenance and effective management of South Africa's national road network.
The Department of Transport, Gauteng Premier's Office and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport are undertaking a full public and stakeholder consultation process and the Steering Committee will review all submissions surrounding e-tolling in Gauteng and these recommendations will be compiled into a report for the Minister.
Further public consultation meetings with other stakeholders comprising political formations, organised labour, public transport operators and members of civil society are scheduled to take place in the first two weeks of April.
Enquiries:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521
