BUSA welcomes e-toll postponement

"... Business has been greatly concerned at the likely impact of the planned Gauteng urban road tolls on the costs of doing business, as well as their possible negative effect on employment and people's livelihoods.

"As the introduction of urban road tolls in other parts of the country has now also been put on hold by government, BUSA believes that an excellent opportunity has been created for a serious in-depth consultation on alternative modalities to finance much-need road upgrading," said the body in a statement.

BUSA said it remained willing to contribute to finding the best way to fund urban road infrastructure in future.

The e-tolling system, which was due to start next month, was placed on hold on Friday.

Motorists angered

Many Gauteng motorists have been threatening to boycott the entire tolling system by refusing to pay the fees or register for their e-toll accounts to get their e-tags. Numerous petitions against the system were circulated to have the system halted.

Registrations kicked off in November, with SANRAL urging motorists to become "e-toll ready" by ensuring they have an e-tag, register for an e-toll account and fit their e-tag on the inside of their windscreen.

Motorists have complained about the unaffordability of toll tariffs, despite government reassessing them and making them cheaper. New tariffs were approved by Cabinet in August last year.

Under the new prices, motorcycles would pay 24c/km, from the initial proposed 29c. Light motor vehicles (class A2) will pay 40c, while medium vehicles (class B) will pay R1. Longer vehicles (class C) will pay R2/km.

However, commuter taxis and buses approved by authorities would not have to pay toll fees.