NO DECISION MADE ON GAUTENG TOLL TARIFFS

Transport Director-General and Chairperson of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) Toll Steering Committee, George Mahlalela, has re-iterated that no decision has been made on the Gauteng toll tariffs.

The Director-General's comments follow reports this morning (27 June) in The Star and Pretoria News that the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km will more than likely not change. The media reports base these inaccurate claims on the Department of Transport's steering committee report, which was sent out to various organisations that had made public proposals on the toll fees.

"We wish to re-iterate that no decision has been made on the Gauteng toll tariffs," Mr. Mahlalela said. "The tariffs will be announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in due course, after studying the final recommendations of the Steering Committee as well as consultation with the Political Oversight Committee. The Steering Committee, announced by Minister Ndebele to make recommendations on the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km, has not completed its report and will be meeting again with stakeholders on 30 June. It was made clear right at the outset that the principle of tolling has been accepted, and that the matter under review is the proposed tariff of 66c/km. Therefore, this type of reporting by certain sections of the media is totally mischievous.

"Comments and proposals received from organised formations and civil society has been overwhelming, with the initial deadline of 30 April 2011 for submission of the report having to be shifted. And with the majority of South Africans taking the Easter holiday break, the Steering Committee also had to reschedule its follow-up engagement and consultation with stakeholders.

"The Gauteng toll tariffs, which have attracted an outcry from a wide-range of stakeholders, have to be dealt with thoroughly and in a manner that addresses the concerns raised during consultations. It is of importance that this process retains its integrity and that the outcome reflects the honest engagement we have had with stakeholders across the spectrum. In the interest of all road users, we cannot rush into hasty decisions on the e-tolling issue as this might, however well-intended, undermine the very aim of having engaged with all the stakeholders. Unfortunately, this isn't helped by a small part of the media that report incorrectly and irresponsibly on tolling seemingly to create sensation.

"South Africans can be rest assured that government is doing everything possible to resolve this matter in a manner that will be in the best interest of the commuter, road user and the state for future development and management of road infrastructure in the whole country," said Mr. Mahlalela.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mahlalela has also conveyed condolences to those killed in road crashes over the past weekend. At least 15 people were reported killed in a head-on collision between two mini-bus taxis in Limpopo province last night (26 June).

"We want to convey condolences to the families of those killed in road crashes over the past few days, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. South Africa joined the rest of the world and officially launched the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 on 11 May 2011."

As part of the new national Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP), from 1 October 2010 to 31 May 2011 almost 10-million (9,926,693) vehicles and drivers have been checked, over 4.1-million (4,115,292) fines issued for various traffic offences, 15,197 drunk drivers arrested and 39,706 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.

"We call upon more South Africans to take responsibility for their safety on the roads during this Decade of Action, to reduce the appalling projected global increase in road deaths," Mr. Mahlalela said.

Further, Minister Ndebele is currently leading a South African delegation to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council meeting being held in London from 27 June to 1 July.

Statement issued by Sam Monareng, Department of Transport, June 27 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter