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Outa criticises government for delays in scrapping e-tolls
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has criticised the government for its lack of progress in scrapping e-tolls, the controversial user-pay system in Gauteng.
Despite previous commitments, there has yet to be a definitive switch-off date for the system, causing frustration among motorists, according to Eyewitness News.
While National Treasury has agreed to cover 70% of the outstanding bill, the Gauteng provincial government has yet to secure the remaining funds required to fully settle the debt owed to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), which exceeds R47 billion.
Wayne Duvenage, the spokesperson for Outa, expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the progress of scrapping e-tolls. Outa has contacted the Minister of Finance, engaged with the Gauteng Premier, and communicated with Sanral. However, information on the way forward remains limited.
Also read: Outa tells Sanral not to attribute R15bn shortfall to E-toll failures
Duvenage highlighted the low compliance rate, stating that less than 10% of motorists pay their e-toll fees. Those who do pay often do so because their companies benefit from the scheme by charging administration fees to customers without imposing the toll limit.
However, most of the public seems indifferent, knowing that the chances of facing prosecution or consequences for non-payment are minimal.
The uncertainty surrounding the scrapping of e-tolls has created frustration and confusion among Gauteng residents, who eagerly await a clear plan and timeline for the termination of the contentious system.
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Picture: Twitter / Craig_news
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