RFA compiles feedback on impact of tolls

The Road Freight Association (RFA) is in the process of compiling a thorough document on the impact of the new toll system on its members’ businesses as well as the economy at large. According to RFA spokesman, Gavin Kelly, there was a huge response to the organisation’s call to its members for feedback on the impact of the new toll system on individual businesses. “We are still in the process of collating the data into a document that we are aiming to have ready by the end of the month, ahead of our meeting with the Minister of Transport, Sibusiso Ndebele.” Kelly told FTW the document would be handed over to Ndebele for his consideration in reviewing the toll fee structure. The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) toll fee structure, which will see light motor vehicles pay 66 cents a litre and trucks R3.96 a kilometre before discounts, has been suspended by Ndebele. A steering committee has been appointed to review the entire financial structure that saw Sanral borrow R20 billion to improve the Gauteng Freeways. Sanral has argued that the high toll fees are to enable it to pay back the loan in less than ten years. “We have welcomed the Minister’s decision to suspend the system, but it is only a short reprieve,” said Kelly. “The R20-billion debt must still be paid back.”