ADVERTISEMENT

UPDATE 1-S.Africa's govt bows to pressure, cuts Johannesburg road tolls

(Adds quotes from deputy president, details)

CAPE TOWN, May 20 (Reuters) - South Africa's government said on Wednesday it would cut road toll charges on highways in the economic hub of Johannesburg by 50 percent after more than a year of public pressure.

The widely unpopular electronic levies, known as e-tolls, fuelled public anger and strained relations between President Jacob Zuma's African National Congress and COSATU, the labour federation that is in an alliance with the ruling party.

"In the current form, the system places disproportionate burden on the low and middle-income households," said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"This new dispensation demonstrates that we are a listening and caring government."

ADVERTISEMENT

The levies were meant to go towards repaying a $2 billion loan used to finance upgrades to part of Africa's busiest road network, where about 750,000 kilometres of roads faced a maintenance backlog of 197 billion rand.

Vehicles using the city's busy highways were tolled electronically by over-hanging gantries.

There will be no amnesty to drivers who had not been paying as they would be required to pay upon renewal of the vehicle licences, while public transport vehicles such as buses and minivan taxis would remain exempt from the charges, he said.

The national road agency, Sanral, was downgraded by rating agencies as it struggled to implement the user-pay system initiated in December, 2013.

But the system has been plagued by non-compliance and protests by civil society, including COSATU.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ramaphosa denied the move was a ploy by the ruling party to garner favour with voters ahead of municipal elections in 2016.

"This is not about elections, it is about delivering a better life for our people," Ramaphosa said. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by James Macharia)

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT