While Gauteng motorists might be close to feeling the pinch of the controversial e-tolling system, many are are sticking to their guns in opposing it.
Following roads agency Sanral’s announcement that the system would be launched in two months, The Star’s sister paper, the Pretoria News, took to the streets to find out if motorists had registered for e-tags.
With over 2.5 million users of the Gauteng Freeway, only 600 000 have registered for e-tags so far.
Centurion resident Themba Masilela, who frequently travels on the N1, said he hadn’t bought an e-tag because of the dispute over the system between the government, Outa and Cosatu. “I haven’t bought it and don’t intend to. Why is the taxi industry exempted? I believe it is unfair for some road users to pay while others don’t.”
“GIVE AND GIVE”
Bonginkosi Rakolota, from Benoni, decried the system, calling it “crazy”. He accused the government of asking for too much. “I am not buying that thing. I pay a lot of tax from my salary and I pay a very high price for petrol already. What more should I give to the government?”
Misiwe Xolo, from Pretoria, accused the government of extorting money from citizens. “I won’t be buying the e-tag because I honestly think its an additional expense for me as a taxpayer, its ludicrous.”
Lindo Mlaba said he would not bow to pressure to buy the e-tag. “I think there are other ways the government can raise funds to maintain public roads. The fuel levy and other forms of taxes, if used efficiently, can fund maintenance of public roads.”
Terry Terblanche, who will be using the tolled R21 every day, said people must stop “moaning and groaning” and “just comply. We said we wanted government to upgrade our roads, they did, so why are we complaining?”
Another road user in support of e-tolling Mohau Segole, said people must avoid breaking the law.
“Toll gates are a sign the country is developing in line with the first world. It hurts but gradually it rewards.”
Although it has been decided to start operating the tolls in June, the cost to motorists passing through tolls has not been revealed. -Pretoria News