RMI blasts SA’s proposed road tariff structure
South Africa’s Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has called on government to urgently rethink the tariff structure planned by the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) for Gauteng’s freeway system. RMI’s CEO Jeff Osborne described the toll fees – to be levied from June 23rd – as iniquitous. "If the fees are implemented, considerable cost will be added to every single aspect of doing business in Gauteng – and the consumer will be left significantly poorer," said Osborne. He pointed out that, according to figures released by the country’s Road Freight Association (RFA) – which based its calculations on speculation that the basic tariff would be 50c/km – toll fees could add as much as ZAR16 million a year in additional expenses incurred by the fuel transportation industry; ZAR35 million by one of the country’s largest truck operators; ZA R9.3 million by courier companies; ZAR3.6 million by the bread industry; ZAR 3.1 million by the dairy industry and, per commodity, ZAR 2.2 million by the bulk minerals industry. With SANRAL’s published tariffs based on 66c/km – almost a third more than the figure used by the RFA for its calculations, the increase will have a devastating effect on the transportation industry as well as consumers. Osborne remarked that a levy that’s included in the price of fuel is earmarked by government for the upkeep of roads – and that the freeway upgrade should have fallen within the parameters of the scheme. However, it appears that government is trying to recoup the costs of the freeway project as quickly as possible, giving little thought to the consequences. Osborne believes that implementation of the tariffs is likely to see non-tolled secondary routes flooded by vehicles, leading to severe congestion, loss of productivity and increased deterioration of roads as traffic volumes increase. He says while the RMI is not opposed to tolls, cost is the issue: "Fees must be affordable for all. And money collected must be used to promote efficient motoring – not drive people away from freeways." RMI would like to see the government encourage the use of alternative, low-emission vehicles for commuting – including motorcycles. However, motorcycle couriers pay the same toll fees as four-wheeled vehicles. Osborne commented on the fact that no formal consultation had taken place with the Dept of Transport prior to the release of SANRAL’s tariff structure. "There was no debate, no discussion on the fees. As a matter of urgency government needs to re-think the structure. In the RMI’s view the tariffs are unrealistic." Quelle: eyefortransport Portal: www.logistik-express.com |