Deputy Speaker, the proposed tolling of Gauteng's roads, otherwise known as the Freeway Improvement Plan, GFIP, has been a contentious issue for some time now. The majority of the citizens of Gauteng believe that they will be unable to carry the extra financial burden this tolling system will place on their shoulders. It is their voice and their concerns that we need to consider as we debate this highly emotive issue. While we have empathy for the need of the R5,7 billion relief that is being suggested to ease the financial burden on the users of these roads, we believe that the Bill is dealing with the symptoms rather than the cause, which is what needs to be addressed. It cannot be effectively addressed in the manner government is currently proposing.
The latest revelation, that every 10 cents of the 30 cents per kilometre that motorists will be charged will go to the collection of fees is totally scandalous considering that it will mean that R7 billion of the R20 billion will go to a foreign entity. Government must accept that this has been a costly mistake which could have been handled through a dedicated road fund established out of the current surcharge on fuel.
The IFP believes the toll structure will have detrimental consequences. In the seeking of alternative routes - not that there are many - road congestion will simply shift to other roads, which will have a negative impact on road safety and the maintenance of the alternative routes. This will simply mean the current problems will be exacerbated.
At the micro level, the IFP is concerned with the lack of evidence suggesting that alternative methods of subsidising the road networks in South Africa had been extensively explored. We believe that this Bill sets a dangerous precedent for other entities to now come to government, knock on the door and say, "We are in trouble." The IFP calls upon government to prioritise the roll-out of efficient, reliable, affordable and safe public transport for all the people of South Africa. Making a bad situation less bad is not the answer.
What we need is a holistic relook. Should the government of Gauteng also not have been made to carry part of this burden through a reduction of equitable share of the revenue? Was this considered? So, there are many factors that need to have been considered. The IFP will emphatically not support this Bill.