LISTEN: Tough Wednesday ahead as motorists wake up to hikes in cost of fuel, etolls
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says the stalled decision and uncertainty of the future of etolls has caused massive setbacks for the agency's toll portfolio.
The controversial toll system remains a sore point for motorists who pass through the hovering metal gantries on freeways across the province.
Motorists want it scrapped - a call bolstered by Cosatu, the ANC and the Automobile Association.
The discussions about the future of etolls is now before Cabinet.
On Tuesday, the agency effected changes of 4.1% to the country's toll routes.
This includes etolls.
To compound of consumer's challenges, the price of fuel is expected to increase substantially on Wednesday.
Sanral's Engineering Executive Louw Kannemeyer admits the increases may be a blow for consumers across the board.
"It's challenging. All of us as taxpayers are experiencing the same challenges, so definitely it is a challenge for all of us in terms of cost increases," says Kannemeyer.
Kannemeyer adds while the increases in toll costs may add to consumer woes, the agency is confident the money collected at tolls will be put to good use.
"The toll income that we collect is specifically dedicated towards the toll roads in the country and maintaining those toll roads in the country and maintaining those4 toll roads and users are guaranteed as they travel along those toll corridors, they can see the maintenance activities.
"These toll tariffs are really guaranteeing them an infrastructure that will be maintained and improved, as when required."
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