Linksfield bridge bannered in protest against new e-toll rules

The Linksfield bridge crossing on the N3 was a showcase of banners in a protest against the dispensation of Gauteng’s e-tolls following Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on the new dispensation in Cape Town during May.

Mr Rob Hutchinson and Ms Cynthia Arensmeier,  displayed a banner which stated, “Licenses can be renewed” and “Same bull, different stick”.

Today’s protest was aimed at granting motorists the opportunity to show their support to the objections against the regulations in terms of motor vehicle licence renewals that now accompany the e-tolling system.

“We started the banner protests last year and it continued until January 2015. We stopped for a while in order to see what the outcome would be. With the release of the new dispensation we realised that we are not being discounted. There are no reduced rates. People are going to pay the same rates as individuals who already own e-tags,” said Ms Arensmeier.

Mr Hutchinson said the announcement on dispensation made by Dep Pres Ramaphosa caused confusion. “People need to know they are allowed to renew their vehicle licenses. Legislation will first have to change before the new e-toll regulation can be enforced. That could take years,” he said.

The banners were effective as motorists showed their support and hooted. “Motorists need to know that the announcement is merely an intimidation tactic,” Mr Hutchinson said.