Sacci repeats call for delay in e-tolling

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) on Tuesday called for a delay in the implementation of e-tolling, citing uncertainty surrounding the fee system and exemptions for public transport. “Sacci is also concerned by the high penalties that will be levied on “alternate users” who would pay an estimated four to six times more than road users with registered e-tags,” said CEO Neren Rau. “The discrepancy between this rate and the “normal” tariff begs the question of the degree to which alternate users will subsidise other road users (including those who are exempt) and the correlation (or the lack thereof) between the “penalty rate” and the cost of maintaining the road infrastructure.” Sacci has also weighed in on the recently published regulations on the policing of the e-tolling system. The regulations primarily serve to introduce a non-state “police force” on Gauteng highways to ensure that road users pay their e-toll fees. “The introduction of a non-state police force with powers to search and confiscate private property - and one that is not directly accountable to an electorate - is highly disturbing and against the spirit and letter of the South African Constitution,” said Rau. “It is highly problematic that a CEO be given the power to appoint individuals to positions with powers similar to those of police officers. The high incidence of road and traffic-related crime such as hijacking and use of false police uniforms by criminals in committing these crimes should reasonably inform Sanral and the DoT of the problematic nature of giving a non-state force powers to stop, search and confiscate vehicles,” he said.