Motorists have shared their experiences with me of how they have been intimidated and threatened by SANRAL and traffic officials. Motorists were being intimidated and threatened into registering for e-tolls.
This is simply illegal and criminal. Motorists must not be intimidated in any way. There is no compulsion and no legislation to force anyone to sign up to e-tolls. In any case, if such legislation were to exist it would not pass constitutional muster.
It is clear that SANRAL is desperate to increase its e-toll subscriptions. It also is desperate to improve its income as clearly the peaceful resistance campaign by the public is working.
I am writing to SANRAL CEO Nazir Alli requesting to meet him to discuss this most concerning matter.
When stopped at those roadblocks and one is made to feel uncomfortable, ask the officer to produce his/her certificate of appointment and take note of his/her name and traffic authority he/she works for. The officer is obliged to identify him- or herself. Should the officer refuse to do so, simply take note of the registration number of the official vehicle on site.
Officials may not make enquiries into e-tolls, whether one is registered or not. Nothing obliges one to respond to these questions. Do not be intimidated!
Manny de Freitas MP, Shadow Minister of Transport
Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South
Democratic Alliance
