POLITICS

E-tolls: Dipuo Peters out of touch with reality - Ian Ollis

DA MP says Minister underestimates the groundswell of opposition against the policy

E-tolls: Minister Peters is out of touch with reality

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters' comments this week on the implementation of e-tolling show that she is out of touch with reality.

She said:

"...it is a few number of people who have spoken out [against e-tolling]" 

"I don't know whether we can say it is unpopular with motorists"; and that

"It's better for you to get your tag in time".

The South African National Roads Agency Limited's (Sanral's) e-toll contract documents confirm that opposition to e-tolls grew from 39% to 48% between April 2009 and June 2009 alone.

Despite this, Minister Peters, President Jacob Zuma and Sanral are forging ahead with e-tolls.

The DA will continue to fight against open road tolling as a solution to fund road upgrades and maintenance in Gauteng. This is not the end of the road. 

We cannot and will not support e-tolling as it will be disastrous to the economy and people of Gauteng. 

The DA listened to the people's opposition to e-tolls and successfully halted e-tolls in the Western Cape. 

We pledge to do the same where we are elected to govern in 2014.

Statement issued by Ian Ollis MP, DA Shadow Minister of Transport, October 5 2013

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