Three quarters of Gauteng motorists call for an alternative to e-tolls

25 May 2015

In a study conducted by Ipsos prior to the announcement of the new  e-toll dispensation, the vast majority of Gauteng motorists (74%) were of the opinion that the government should find an alternative to the e-toll system in Gauteng. “It is therefore not very surprising that the news of the fee reduction has not been more positively received,” states Mari Harris, Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos. “This will be compounded by the possibility of being unable to renew your vehicle’s license in the case of unpaid toll fees.”

This study was conducted in April 2015 as part of the Khayabus (Ipsos’ Omnibus) project.

Looking back at earlier findings, 58% of motorists were already calling for a different system in November 2013. “This was before the current system had even been launched,” comments Harris. At that time, only 13% of motorists had bought an e-tag, or intended to buy one. Currently a third (32%) of Gauteng’s more than 3 million motorists bought an e-toll tag.

As of April 2015, more than four in every ten (43%) of Gauteng motorists disagreed with the statement that the amount charged per kilometer is reasonable and 47% disagreed completely with the toll to be paid by Gauteng motorists.

“With the possible backlash against the new announcement, as well as the very strong opinion that the public voice was not heeded, as evidenced by this research, it is unlikely that e-tolls will now be paid. In the worst case, it could simply lead to more unlicensed vehicles on the road” concludes Harris.

Statement issued by Mari Harris, Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos, May 25 2015