Zuma signs e-tolls bill

President Jacob Zuma has signed the transport laws and related matters amendment bill into law on Wednesday. The bill was sitting on Zuma's desk for three months and plagued by several delays. "The act will facilitate the upgrading and development of the transport infrastructure and public transport in the Republic," presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement. Zuma was still considering the bill, the presidency said earlier this month. The bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces in May and provides for the electronic and cross-border collection of toll fees. In April, the SA National Roads Agency Limited said it was ready to start e-tolling, and it was just waiting for the completion of the parliamentary process. 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.