Credit DA for roads bill

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and National Roads Amendment Bill is a private members bill introduced by myself, and not Sanral as some in the media seem to believe. It is unambiguous in the Government Gazette, which specifically gives notice that I am introducing this bill in accordance with rule 276(1)(b) of the rules of the National Assembly.

It would’ve been fantastic if it was Sanral that had introduced such a bill as it would be an admission from their side that e-tolls in Gauteng have been a phenomenal flop. This would’ve been good news for motorists, as it would open the possibility of Sanral reconsidering e-tolls. But they haven’t done so; it was left up to the DA to do this.

My bill addresses the public outcry that arose as a result of the implementation of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, or e-tolls. The manner in which the public consultation process was conducted on this project was clearly not satisfactory. The experiences in Gauteng and the Western Cape show that there is a need to strengthen consultation with the premier of a province and the municipal council wherein a road to be tolled lies. If my bill passes, a majority vote would be required in favour of any proposed toll road in the relevant provincial legislature.

The experience in Gauteng demonstrates that for every toll road an alternative road should have been established so as to allow those who may not be able to afford the tolls to have an alternative.

The bill further proposes that Sanral, in co-operation with the province and municipalities concerned, undertakes socioeconomic, environmental and traffic impact assessments in the first instance. I believe this bill would ensure that any future e-tolls will be done with proper public consultation and engagement so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Manny de Freitas, MP DA shadow transport minister