The Freedom Front Plus is currently considering a possible high court application to have the E-Toll Act declared unconstitutional which would stop the Gauteng e-toll system. The party’s legal team is in the process of formulating an opinion about the road ahead.
In the meantime it is also important to shine the spotlight on toll roads and toll plans in other parts of the country.
“Just as in the case of the e-tolls in Gauteng, the Freedom Front Plus is still in principle opposed to the system,” Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson says.
According to Adv. Alberts, it is not well-known that the DA is in principle in favour of the tolling or privatization of public roads. The DA’s official policy is in favour of the ‘user-pays-principle’ which is now being enforced by SANRAL in Gauteng. The practical proof of this can be found in the current Chapman’s Peak toll road which was planned, constructed and is currently being managed by the DA government.
Against this background there is a disconnection between the DA’s policy and its opposition to the e-toll system in Gauteng and the proposed N1/N2 Winelands project and one has to ask one’s self whether this opposition did not arise as a result of pure political opportunism? It is probable that the residents in the Western Cape will in the aftermath of the 2014 elections see an increasing number of DA inspired toll projects unfold. The only counter measure against such actions will be to see to it that the DA governs the Western Cape in a coalition with the FF Plus, which will in a principled manner protect the interests of taxpayers and minorities.
The FF Plus has consistently expressed itself against the principle of tolling public roads and has with untiring efforts participated in the struggle against the e-tolls in Gauteng.
“A person would inevitably ask the question how honest the DA is about its struggle against toll roads in the Western Cape.
“In contrast, the public can be assured that the FF Plus will diligently continue its struggle against the unnecessary system,” Adv. Alberts says.
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