JPSA’s preliminary response to the Gauteng e-tolls advisory report

Despite having had to go and find it ourselves, Justice Project South Africa has noted the contents of the Summary of recommendations made by the Advisory Panel, appointed by the Gauteng Premier Mr David Makhura, on the Socio-economic Impact of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and e-tolls as published on the Gauteng provincial government website.

Although it is clear from this summary that the fuel levy has not been entirely ignored for future phases of the GFIP, it is equally clear that the “hybrid model” of funding for the current GFIP seeks to retain e-tolling as a prominent component, despite its gross inefficiencies and enormous unpopularity among the citizens of Gauteng.

It is notable that it has been recommended that phase 1 of the GFIP should be provincially sourced. Given the fact that a provincial fuel levy has been advised against by the panel, this can only mean that it is being proposed that funding of the current GFIP should largely continue to be sought from e-tolling, albeit with a proposed reduced monthly cap on e-toll fees and a “ring-fenced” increase in motor vehicle licensing fees.

Although it may be believed by the panel and provincial government that a reduced e-tolls cap will lead to a buy-in on e-tolling by motorists, JPSA believes that this will have little effect on the current feelings citizens of Gauteng have towards ring fencing of our major routes around Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni and there remains little real chance of public acceptance of e-tolling.

JPSA will study the full panel report in due course and will make further comment thereon when it has.