GAUTENG TOLLS COULD INCREASE TO PAY FOR SANRAL EXPENSES

According to reports the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is projecting their toll income will increase by 70% in the next two years. The public have reason to be concerned that toll fees will be hiked every year to cover other cash needs of SANRAL.

It also seems SANRAL has not taken the fuel price into account.

Although SANRAL based its projections on previous experience the fuel price will be at its highest when the toll roads are introduced.

High fuel prices, which are unlikely to come down, will definitely reduce traffic volumes and therefore reduce the number of drivers making use of the toll roads.

A further aspect not taken into consideration is the delay in the implementation of the toll roads due to possible legal action against the e-tolling system.

How will Sanral recover costs from lower than expected traffic volumes and a further delay in implementation? One cannot only speculate, but one thing is for sure, taxpayers will ultimately pay.

Statement issued by Fred Nel, MPL, DA Gauteng Deputy Transport spokesman, February 27 2012

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