Did you know that back in 2006, South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) was found to have badly failed in its obligation "to consult with local residents affected by the tolling concession ... for the N4 Maputo Development Corridor Toll Road"?
Judge Phineas Mojapelo handed down a judgement in favour of farmer Mr Nicolaas Smit, who had refused to pay toll and been criminally charged. Smit was found not guilty because the toll road in question had not been lawfully declared as such. There had been no "proper public consultation process."
SANRAL will soon need to start court cases against many more Nicolaas Smits in Gauteng, the country's business hub, as many "clients" are not paying astronomical monthly fees (over USD100). They can, of course,
halve this by buying an e-tag. This is something like paying a bribe whereby
you acknowledge the legitimacy of e-tolls in exchange for a lighter fee.
Watch the clip Gauteng eTolls Make No Sense; and read more on the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance website.
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