Yesterday, the Road Freight Association (RFA) lodged papers to join the legal proceedings brought by the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, South African Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, Quadpara Association of South Africa and the South African National Consumer Union against the e-tolls as an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court). This is mainly as a result of the tariffs published in the Government Gazette on 13 April and the extended powers being granted to SANRAL peace officers.

If granted by the Court, the RFA will make submissions on the following:

1) The law enforcement powers granted to SANRAL as a private agency.
2) The excessive and punitive tariffs that were published in the Gazette, which we believe is contrary to the Competitions Act.
3) Freight operators are being charged a disproportionate tariff when compared with other road users. We believe this is unfair and unreasonable to our members.
4) The secondary routes are not an alternative for large trucks and heavy road freight vehicles, as these roads were not built to accommodate these vehicles. Freight vehicles are thus being forced to use the toll roads and pay the excessive tolls.

Application for Amicus Curiae is a copy of the application that was lodged yesterday. The matter has been set down for 24 April 2012. We will keep you advised of the developments.

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