Pretoria - A final announcement on the implementation of Gauteng's controversial e-tolling system is expected by the end of July, the Transport Department said.
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project Steering Committee, which was formed by Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele to address the proposed e-tolling on Gauteng's roads, was putting the final touches on the report to be submitted to the minister for consideration, the department's Thami Mgidi said in a statement.
"Given the number of issues which were raised during the stakeholder engagement, it is expected that once the report is handed over to the minister, there will be another round of consultation with the stakeholders," she said.
Ndebele suspended the implementation of the system following a public outcry over the proposed fee structure. He then appointed a committee to look into the matter with the aim of addressing the grievances.
This week, the department said it is only after that consultation (by the end of July) that the minister will be in a position to issue a final decision on the new system for the province's roads.
"This matter, which has attracted an outcry from a wide-ranging number of stakeholders, has to be dealt with thoroughly and in a manner that addresses the concerns raised during consultations."
The department said it was important that the process retains its integrity and that the outcome reflects the honest engagement "we have had with stakeholders across the spectrum."
"In the interest of all our road users, officials cannot rush into hasty decisions on the e-tolling issue as this might, however well-intended; undermine the very aim of having engaged with all the stakeholders."
