Withdrawal of e-tolls officially confirmed
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga took a decisive step on Thursday by officially gazetting the withdrawal of e-tolls, a move that will come into effect on 11 April 2024.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga took a decisive step on Thursday by officially gazetting the withdrawal of e-tolls, a move that will come into effect on 11 April 2024.
This decision paves the way for the deactivation of gantries used for tolling purposes across Gauteng’s highways.
ROAD USERS PROTEST TOLL SYSTEM IN JOHANNESBURG
The e-tolling saga, which began on 3 December 2013, under the management of the South African National Roads Agency Limited, has been a contentious issue for motorists, particularly those traversing the roads of Johannesburg and Tshwane.
The system, which mandated payment for highway usage, faced staunch opposition from drivers and civil society organisations alike.
No sunrise will find us where sunset left us, days are never counted backward. Less talk, more work! #GrowingGautengTogether. https://t.co/LednQfp2Kq pic.twitter.com/myowPG2OXr
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) March 28, 2024
Reflecting on the journey, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised the people’s rejection of e-tolls during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in February.
“E-tolls are a system that was introduced in the province by the national government on the basis of improving our road network. However, we have now reached a consensus that the people of Gauteng have unequivocally rejected e-tolls,” Lesufi stated.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Premier Lesufi highlighted engagements with key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Finance and Transport, which led to the agreement to commence the formal process of dismantling the e-toll system.
“By 31st March of this year, the formal process to switch off and de-link e-tolls will begin, marking the end of an era,” he affirmed.
E-TOLLING INFRASTRUCTURE DECOMMISSIONED, CAMERAS REMAIN
Moreover, Premier Lesufi clarified that while decommissioning the tolling infrastructure, the gantry lights and cameras will remain operational for law enforcement purposes.
Furthermore, the decision to withdraw e-tolls signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the concerns of Gauteng’s motorists and alleviate financial burdens associated with road usage.
With the imminent cessation of tolling activities, residents can anticipate smoother journeys ahead, free from the spectre of e-toll charges.