The Advisory Panel on the Socio-economic Impact of E-tolls will now begin its public consultations, the Gauteng provincial government announced on Monday.

Spokesman Thabo Masebe said the panel would embark from August 27 on a month-long process of consultation with organisations and individuals.

"The consultation process is aligned to the research work which is already underway. The consultation will solicit new views on the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and e-tolls."

He said the panel would focus on expanding knowledge as well as explore the implications and perceptions of financing the GFIP, taking into account other demands on the fiscus.

Organisations had been invited to respond to the information provided by the key implementers of GFIP and e-tolls, and to address the following questions:

- What are the economic and social impacts of GFIP and the e-tolls?

- What is the impact of the GFIP and e-tolls on the environment?

- How and where are the costs and benefits of GFIP and e-tolls distributed across society and the economy?

"The panel wishes to emphasise that the process of consultation on the impacts of GFIP and e-tolls is an objective process with no pre-determined outcome.

"The report of the panel to the premier at the end of November will be in the form of analysis and recommendations grounded in substantial evidence."

The hearings would take place at the Gautrain offices in Midrand.

Labour would be heard on August 27, business on August 27 and 29, and civil society from September 1 to 3.

Information and knowledge institutions would be heard on September 4, and transport organisations from September 4.