Cabinet approves transport laws bill

It said the Bill had been necessitated by the development of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), as well as future plans for the development of road infrastructure.

"Apart from the physical infrastructure, the GFIP will result in the operation of a road network that involves the utilisation of "intelligent" transport systems. An important component of the network is the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. The Bill is essential to enable the implementation of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the GFIP, headed by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, has been conducting ongoing consultations with civil society and business.

The IMC has since its formation met with the trade union federation COSATU, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA), Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA), Road Freight Association (RFA) and religious leaders.

Motlanthe has reiterated that a speedy solution was needed to end the impasse over the implementation of the e-tolling system.

He said there was recognition that many people were poor and in the current economic situation, they should not be overburdened by extra costs, but at the same time the SA National Roads Agency Limited needed capital to continue doing its work.