Below is a copy of a letter I have sent to MphahleT@dot.gov.za
in response to the e-toll fee structure gazetted by the government
I urge everybody to do the same...
Gazette Notice #35756 can be viewed here:
httphttp://www.outa.co.za/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-25-E-Toll-Tariffs-Conditions-Gazette-Notice-35756.pdf
Dear Sir,
It was with great dismay and quite frankly, extreme anger that I read that government still plans on implementing toll fees on all existing, and pre-built motorways around Gauteng. Since the motorways are, in most instances, the only viable route to get from A to B, and are the major routes used by trucking companies to deliver essential goods and food to consumers, it once again appears as if government holds no regard for its constituents and is interested only in lining its coffers with additional, unwarranted funds.
It also boggles the mind, that with legal proceedings due to begin in less than a months’ time, in the high court on November 26th, that government feels it prudent to implement these fees before any legal judgement has been reached on the matter. Quite frankly, it seriously undermines any belief that the judiciary in this country is free and independent of governmental interference, since government seem quite certain that they will be victorious in this matter.
Be that as it may, since government are intent on using bully-boy tactics to push this matter through, I have reviewed the tariffs as laid out in Gazette 35756, and in all honesty, find them rather disturbing.
It appears that government is using what basically amounts to blackmail, to try and force road users to register their vehicles particulars with SANRAL.
For example, if I use the figures published for a class A2 vehicle, being a light motor vehicle, at the Toll Plaza named gull, the fee gazetted for a registered vehicle is R15-95. (This fee is already extortionate and exorbitant). However, if I decide not to register my vehicle, I will pay a fee of R47.85. This is 3 times the amount payable for a registered vehicle. Furthermore, a vehicle that is electronically tagged, would pay a fee of R8.25 (also extortionate) which means an unregistered vehicle would pay nearly 6 times more.
Out of principle, I refuse to register my vehicle with SANRAL, and am therefore left with only a few options.
1.) I do not use the motorways whatsoever. The obvious by product of this, is an increased amount of traffic on suburban roads, resulting in major traffic congestion and further deterioration of said roads.
2.) Use the motorways but do not pay any fees, until summonsed and compelled to by a court of law.
As you may well be aware, the JMPD currently can only collect +- 10% of traffic fines issued, so this 2nd option, whilst obviously is illegal, does appear to be the stance that the majority of motorists are going to adopt. This is going to result in an additional strain on our already overburdened criminal system.
3.) Sell up and move to a new location. This is looking to be the only sensible option left to free thinking individuals, as the current government seems to feel they can impose any unjust laws on its citizenry it deems fit… this amounts to nothing less than a dictatorship.
I strongly urge government to reconsider implementing these tolls, to quote St. Augustine, “An unjust law, is no law at all”
Regards,
Clive Buckley.
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