The Department of Transport (DoT) is confident that the South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) investigated all possible funding options before deciding on e-tolling as a mechanism to service the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

The DoT also notes claims that e-tolling might be implemented without the necessary consideration. It views these claims are irresponsible, disingenuous and display a limited or lack of understanding of the economics around road infrastructure development.

Sanral manages a road network of no less than 18 000km. It must be noted that only 3 126 km of this total network is tolled.

There is also a view that e-tolls will make people poorer.

Cabinet has taken a decision to cushion the poor by granting 100% exemptions to certain categories of road users including public transport (buses and mini-bus taxis). This decision is a clear demonstration that government has considered all social factors before arriving at the decision to toll the road network in question.