The Democratic Alliance (DA) is opposing the implementation of toll roads in the Western Cape saying that the costs and impact on society need to be determined first.
According to Western Cape DA Leader, Ivan Meyer, toll roads will inevitably increase transportation costs and constrain freedom of movement, opportunity and growth in the province.
“Until now, no socio-economic impact study had been done and no consultation has taken place. For proper consultation to occur, the South African National Roads Authority Limited (Sanral) must provide the necessary information on the costs of tolling and upgrading the N1 and N2, as well as the relevant fees and the impact on road users,” said Meyer.
City files urgent interdict application
According to Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Sanral has so far not provided the people of Cape Town with a sufficient brief of the financial implications of such a big project.
“Sanral’s most recent media comments simply mean that they want to engage with the people of Cape Town on their own terms. The people of Cape Town deserve the full story,” he said.
In response to the City’s urgent interdict application filed in November 2011, Sanral agreed that they would take no further steps towards implementing the toll road project pending the City’s review application being heard. They also agreed to provide the City with 45 days’ notice of its intention to start working on the toll project. This notification was received on 6 March 2013.
“Preventing the commencement of the toll project before the Court has determined the review application is in our view vital to the City’s review application,” said Herron.
Fate of toll project to be decided in court
According to Meyer, Sanral will also have to provide proof of their claim that the implementation of the toll project is necessary since certain road sections are deteriorating at a fast pace.
“The DA welcomes the DA-governed City of Cape Town obtaining a court date to interdict the construction of the N1/N2 Winelands Toll Highway project,” said Meyer.
The City’s urgent application to halt the construction of the N1 and N2 toll project will be heard in court on 16 May and 17 May.