Gauteng e-tolls have been scrapped – it’s true!

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that e-tolls in the province have been scrapped.

“Residents of Gauteng, we are pleased to report that e-tolls have been scrapped,” Lesufi said.

ALSO READ: Gauteng SOPA: New tamper-proof number plates imminent, says Lesufi

He addressed the Gauteng Legislature in Johannesburg during his State of the Province Address (SOPA).

“Together with the Ministries of Finance and Transport, we will make a joint announcement in this regard,” Lesufi said.

LESUFI SAYS GAUTENG E-TOLL GANTRIES WILL BE SWITCHED OFF

ALSO READ: Another four suspects busted for an illegal firearm

“Together with the national government, we are on the verge of agreeing on all matters that will finally allow us to gazette switching off the gantries.

“Matters related to debt repayment and the money collected from paying customers and funds not collected from non-paying customers,” the Premier announced.

ALSO READ: Police to give CPFs more resources and bite

DA IS CONCERNED ABOUT OUTSTANDING E-TOLL DEBT

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomed the commitment by the Premier to scrap e-tolls.

Fred Nell MPL, DA Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, says while they welcome the scrapping of e-tolls, they are concerned about how the outstanding debts will be paid.

“The premier is very vague about how they will settle the debt and whether any new taxes will be introduced to substitute the loss of e-toll income,” Nell said.

A”SO READ: Cele orders more police vehicles to combat crime

Nell said the DA calls on Premier Lesufi to announce exactly how the funding will work for replacing the e-tolls.

“We also call on the Premier not to introduce new taxes or increase fees as it will have the same effect as the e-toll on the economy of Gauteng,” Fred Nell said.