Deserted e-toll outlets: Gautengers vote with their feet

Midrand's San Ridge Square was busy on Thursday, the parking area full, but the e-toll outlet empty. This area would be heavily affected by the e-tolls on the N1, which links the area with Johannesburg and Pretoria. At this e-toll outlet, five staff chatted with each other to pass the time.

At Cresta centre in Randburg, the e-toll outlet was empty, despite three cashiers waiting for customers. Businessman Tertius Barnardt, who uses the post office next door daily, said he had never seen anyone inside. "Yesterday I took a pamphlet from a woman handing them out at a traffic light," he said, "she was so delighted and surprised that I was even prepared to take one." Barnardt said he was still unsure if he would register. "In Gauteng, we are up to our necks in fees and taxes," he said, "and where is the money for this going to go?"

At Benmore shopping centre, three cashiers watched the clock until going-home time. The mall was busy but no one was at the e-toll outlet. Douglasdale retiree Robin James had no intention to register for the e-toll. "If the authorities can't get an electricity bill right, why would I give them access to my bank account for the e-toll?" he asked News24, adding "No, we have had enough. They [Sanral] can send me a bill, if they can find me."

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