Cape Town – The e-tolling bill has been sitting on President Jacob Zuma’s desk for over three months now and signing it has been delayed yet again.

EWN reported on Sunday that Zuma was advised by his attorneys not to sign the transport laws and related matters amendment bill because of procedural flaws. 

The bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces in May and provides for the electronic and cross-border collection of toll fees.

Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader Jack Bloom said it’s not too late for the government to reconsider electronic tolling.

“The whole idea is unworkable, it’s a military complex,” the broadcaster quoted him as saying.

Elections headache

However, the delay over signing the bill into law is speculated to be related to the upcoming elections.

“To e-toll or not to e-toll? That is the question?” political analyst Shadrack Gutto was quoted as saying, according to eNCA.

“He is trying to weigh whether signing this and implementing this will impact negatively on the elections next year”.

Tolling was supposed to begin in April 2011, but at least three proposed start dates have failed to materialise.

Tariffs have also been cut thrice since legal battles about the issue started.

E-tolling has been widely criticised by various quarters in society, including ANC alliance partner Cosatu and religious organisations.

 – Fin24