Gauteng freeway development and the impact on freight logistics.

Abstract

Paper presented at the 32nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 8-11 July 2013 "Transport and Sustainable Infrastructure", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

Traffic congestion remains an issue of major concern for all South Africans and is a problem that requires resolution should we not wish to add to our travel time each year. This paper explores tolling as a possible solution - with money generated from tolling utilised for road maintenance and upgrades. More importantly, effective and intelligent tolling can shape driver behaviour and benefit logistics and supply chain management immensely. Whilst this perspective remains largely unpopular and emotionally charged, the author is of the firm belief that if we can achieve the shift towards efficient public transport and/or higher density private passenger transport (i.e. sharing), congestion can be avoided and the life of the Gauteng Freeway system can be extended. If not, more than 90% of freeway usage in Gauteng will remain by passenger vehicles that use the national infrastructure investment without paying, only to win a few minutes of convenience whilst they hamper the economy.