Sanral\u2019s advertising expenditure has almost tripled over the past 2 years in a bid to push its e-toll \u201cpropaganda\u201d, the DA says.<\/p>\n
A response to a DA parliamentary question has revealed that Sanral\u2019s expenditure on advertising increased from R30.4 million in 2010\/11, to R84.5 million in 2011\/12 and R87.1 million in 2012\/13.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reply is a clear indication that in the last two years, and since the announcement of e-tolling, SANRAL has changed its advertising patterns from awareness campaigns in 2010\/11 to mass e-toll propaganda in both 2011\/12 and 2012\/13 on television, radio and print media,\u201d said DA shadow minister of transport, Ian Ollis.<\/p>\n
\u201cFull page and half page advertisements have appeared in most national newspapers, falsely arguing against alternative funding mechanisms for road maintenance and infrastructure, such as a fuel levy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The DA and other affected parties have thrown support behind an ongoing campaign by Outa against the e-toll systems set to be implemented in Gauteng.<\/p>\n
In April 2012, the High Court in Pretoria granted Outa an interdict approving a full judicial review before electronic tolling could be implemented.<\/p>\n
The interdict prevented Sanral from levying or collecting e-tolls pending the outcome of the review. Sanral and the National Treasury appealed the court order.<\/p>\n
In September, the Constitutional Court set aside the interim order, and in December, the High Court in Pretoria dismissed Outa\u2019s application to scrap e-tolling.<\/p>\n
The court granted Outa leave on 25 January 2013 to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.<\/p>\n
The appeal is expected to be heard on September 25 and 26.<\/p>\n
(with Sapa)<\/p>\n
Sanral: e-toll revenue taxed before going offshore<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n DA to fund Outa e-toll legal fees<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Outa running out of money<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n E-toll tariff reduction? Big whoop, says Outa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n