The jury is out on the impact of e-tolls

As Gauteng readies itself for
the roll-out of the controversial
tolling of its highways –
expected before the end of the
year – opinions are divided
about its impact.
While the South African
National Roads Agency
Limited (Sanral) claims that
e-tolling will have a minimal
impact on the prices of food,
goods and other services
which are expected to rise as
inflationary pressures show an
upward trend in the next few
months, others are not so sure.
The Opposition to Urban
Tolling Alliance (Outa) has
maintained that tolling of
Gauteng’s roads will have
a massive impact on the
province and its people,
negatively affecting the price
of goods.
But Vusi Mona, the general
manager of communications
at Sanral, said an economic
analysis done by the University
of Cape Town’s Graduate
School of Business, proved the
impact of e-tolls on the price
of food and goods would be
nominal – between 0.12% and
0.77%.
“There is a general
assumption that e-tolls, when
they are implemented, will
lead to more expensive food,
hitting the poor in particular.
But that view is not based on
any shred of evidence or any
research. It is a mischievous
argument intended to mislead
the public,” said Mona.