Martin Zagnoev
The word e-toll is enough to make many Gautengers see red. After all, we are sick and tired of all the corruption.
Unfortunately anger can blind one’s perspective on things and carry over to other areas which do not warrant the same level of frustration.
Let us therefore take a fresh look at the problem: We usually assume that the costs of these e-tolls are exorbitant. Actually if we register and comply with the terms and conditions, the maximum monthly fee for a car is R450. It is much more costly for those who do not comply.
These costs are usually much less for those who register, than those of the other manual tollgates on our national roads. Yet almost all of us agree to pay at these older tollgates. The newer gantries are also more convenient as we don’t have to stop and pay each time.
We might also feel powerless that the government imposed e-tolls on us without proper consultation. Yet, governments worldwide upgrade roads without consulting the public, even if citizens are then made to pay for some of these upgrades with toll fees. This is an internationally accepted practice.
These upgrades are world class. As South Africans we can be proud of these improvements which make driving easier. The widened highways have also reduced peak hour congestion.
Most people agree that there are no free rides and that the improved roads need to be paid for. Many are suggesting a fuel levy, yet that would be unfair on those who use these highways less than others.
Why not just comply with the existing system? Is it because we are suspicious that it must be corrupt somewhere, even without any evidence to support such a suspicion? Perhaps we could examine our own lack of trust. If the existing system might be corrupt, then a fuel levy might also be corrupt.
Perhaps it is an excuse to bash the government for other unrelated frustrations, such as corruption.
Many otherwise law-abiding citizens who would normally pay their way, seem like anarchists in this matter. We have hardened capitalists who develop a socialistic approach when it comes to toll fees.
Enabling Sanral to meet its payments for the infrastructure, will probably improve South Africa’s international creditworthiness.
Those who earn less than R5 000 per month could pay a reduced rate. An amnesty on the penalties of defaulters should also be offered to those who are willing to come on board.
Let us not exaggerate these and other problems and complain so much.
Sunningdale Ridge, Johannesburg
