JOHANNESBURG – Government will be exploring the best possible solution for implementing e-tolls in Gauteng, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Friday.

He was discussing the controversial project with officials from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

The federation has opposed the system.

E-tolls were placed on hold after the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria granted an urgent interdict in favour of the Opposition Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa).

But government has applied to the Constitutional Court to appeal the matter, arguing that the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) is losing money.

That hearing will take place in August.

Motlanthe said it is important to find common ground on the e-toll project.

“We are here with an open mind to listen to concerns. We have met with various stakeholders and once we have understood the concerns raised, we will go back to Cabinet.”

Earlier in the year, Motlanthe held talks with Outa.

If the system is implemented, Gauteng motorists will be expected to pay around 30 cents per kilometre to use some of the province’s highways.