An assessment of the South African government's Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) toll road strategy

Abstract

The South African government has decided to introduce an extensive toll road system in the Gauteng Province, to fund the road upgrades in the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). This research report assesses the effectiveness of this funding strategy by analysing the social, economic and environmental impact of the GFIP toll road. The user pay principle is also interrogated to assess the fairness of the toll tariffs to be levied on different user groups. This study has found that the GFIP investment was an unstrategic investment in transport infrastructure. It is proposed that an integrated multi-modal transport strategy is developed, that prioritises the development of the railway system for freight cargo and public transport. As freight vehicles cause more than 99% of roads damage, it is proposed that toll tariffs are only applied to freight vehicles, to lessen the negative social impact of tolling. It is proposed that an independent transport regulator and a consumer council are established, to protect consumer interests, to ensure the independent review of toll tariffs, and to review future public-funded transport investments.