Delivering his budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Nene said the toll tariffs would be adjusted downwards, but government remained committed to having road users fund improvements, to keep Sanral solvent.

Sanral spokesman Vusi Mona said Nene's statement proved tolls would not have a negative impact on the poor.

"Minister Nene's announcement of some relief for registered e-toll users will hopefully bolster compliance while ensuring that cost recovery from road users continues to be the principal financing mechanism," he said.

Mona said the toll funding option facilitated projects that would otherwise not have been possible had there been reliance solely on money from the fiscus.

Nene said they had taken into consideration all views about the tolls.

"Concerns regarding the socio-economic impact of toll tariffs have been heard, and revised monthly ceilings will shortly be proposed," he said.

Sapa