The latests toll tariffs have been revealed by SANRAL and are also available on the Arrive Alive website. These tariffs will apply from today, the 15th of March 2011.
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We would also like to share some insights on why we need to pay these toll fees:
Why do I pay taxes and now also tolls?
When we pay taxes these monies are used for the service which government renders to us all. Taxes are used to pay for these services, whether we make use of all of them or not. Tolls on the other hand, pay for only that portion of road that we use in other words it is a user fee. Toll fees are used directly on the road, which is a benefit to the motorist.
Taxes are not used to fund a toll road and therefore reduce the tax obligation of the individual. This has resulted in lower income tax payable. Therefore, without tolls more income tax would have been necessary to fund roads.
Why do we have to pay tolls on an existing road, which was paid for out of taxes?
Road performance depends on how, what and when maintenance id performed. Roads deteriorate over time due to environmental influences such as weather, ultra violet radiation, overloading etc. Tolls are not levied on the value of the current asset (road), but only on the initial and future improvements, including operations and maintenance. Monies derived from taxes are used on other, non toll-roads, including city streets.
What are my tolls used for?
The tolls collected on a specific road are used to, inter alia, repay the loans obtained to finance the building, upgrading or improvement of the road. In addition, it provided a dedicated on-going revenue stream, which enables the road to be adequately maintained and improved, independent of tax –based revenues.
What do I get from using a toll road?
Toll roads are built and maintained to the highest possible standards. Because we uphold such standards, South Africa is recognized as a world leader in pavement technology.
Therefore you are ensured of a smooth ride, saving you on the running costs of your vehicle and saving you time. Improved security ensures you a safe and pleasant journey. Tolls ensure that funding is available much sooner, for adding highway capacity at the right time thereby relieving congestion, reducing losses in time and productivity.