The idea of a hybrid model to fund the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project as a solution to the much-maligned e-tolls is unlikely to be workable.
That’s the word from the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA), commenting on the recent e-toll workshop help by the Gauteng Provincial Government.
“OUTA feels vindicated by the many positive elements contained within Premier Makhura’s e-toll panel report, but raises as many concerns for a number of statements made therein,” the organisation states.
“Furthermore, OUTA’s vindication has been heightened by the support expressed during the workshops, by the vast majority of people and organisations present at the consultation on Friday in Midrand.”
OUTA adds that it understands the awkward position the Gauteng Provincial Government faces, “having to fix a problem that was handed to them by the National Executive.
“We are, however, concerned that the compromise ‘hybrid model’ as suggested in the report is a cure worse than the disease.
“The suggestions contained in the hybrid funding proposals have significant unintended consequences and high costs to motorists, if these were to be implemented.
“The biggest problem is the panel’s suggestion to hold on to the ill-conceived and failed e-toll scheme, as a major funding mechanism. At the same time, even though the suggestion of a national funding model falls outside of its jurisdiction, the panel has downplayed the suggestion of full funding from the national fiscus and/or the fuel levy.”
