Cosatu have once again urged the department of transport to do away with the plan to go forward with e-tolling.

According to Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven, road maintenance funds should be taken from tax revenues and not from road users.

He also noted that tolling would have a negative impact on the poor, their transportation methods and food prices and that Gauteng road users will not be the only people to feel the effects.

“This will not just affect the people of Gauteng, as the government has now conceded that e-tolling will replace the existing toll-gates throughout the country.”

Craven also echoed the feelings of many South Africans by saying that many SA citizens are already deep in debt and the tolls will just add to their financial troubles.

After months of debate, the proposed toll prices were reviewed and lowered in October. The SA National Roads Agency Limited said e-tolling would cost motorists with e-tags 30c/km. This was a reduction from the 40c/km decided on last year.

The e-tag tariff for motorcycles had also been dropped from 24c/km to 18c/km, for medium heavy vehicles (Class B) from R1/km to 75c/km, and heavy vehicles (Class C) from R2/km to R1.50/km.

The system was scheduled to start operating on November 26.