The BMF Gauteng Province has "noted with regret" Government’s intention to continue with e-tolling of Gauteng’s roads despite the public outcry against the implementation of this project.

Modise Moiloanyane, Gauteng BMF chairperson, said in a statement: "The manner in which this project has been introduced leaves a lot to be desired, as it did not fulfill:

·         A thorough and detailed consultation process with the affected stakeholders as part of the project conceptualisation and initiation stages.

·         Transparency in the costing and pricing model, which only became clearer towards the final stages of implementation.

·         Provision of clear information about alternative routes and analysing their capacity and ability to absorb increased traffic volumes due to e-tolls. As well as information on upgrades performed on the identified alternative routes.

·         Completion and provision of a viable public transport system as an alternative for motorists.

"As a result of the above, and also concerns about the funding model adopted to finance this project, the BMF feels strongly that the e-toll project is badly conceived, planned and executed and therefore recommends the following:

·         National Government, through the Department of Transport and Sanral need to take a collective responsibility for the lack of proper engagement with the residents of Gauteng on the proposed e-tolling. Proper consultation and public buy-in is critical for projects of this magnitude, especially given the importance of the roads earmarked for tolling. These are roads that have been built through tax contributions from Gauteng residents which they use daily to go to work and make a living, and thus should not be expected to pay more.

·         As BMF we believe that if the Department of Transport/ Sanral wants to toll roads, it must build new highways. The Department of Transport must, before rushing to introduce a world-class tolling system, first implement a world-class public transport system so that using toll roads become and option rather than a necessity.

·         The Department of Transport and Sanral must totally abandon the project and use the e-toll infrastructure for other traffic monitoring intelligence and crime prevention activities. The National Government must, as the government of the people, listen to and appreciate the reasons behind this public outcry on the matter.

"The BMF Gauteng believes that if the country’s resources are used effectively we will be in a position to fund such infrastructure projects without the need for the public to pay additional indirect tax.

"The BMF Gauteng therefore encourages all its members, who will be directly affected, to participate and support all initiatives that are aimed at ensuring that the Gauteng e-toll project does not go ahead."

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