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.