Bikers protest E-tolling

JOBURG – On 2 November almost a hundred bikers gathered at the BP Oasis on Beyers Naudé Drive at 9am. Their reason? E-tolling. The new system will see motorcyclists paying the same amount as an SUV towing a caravan, and they are not happy.

Bikers Against Tolling (BAT) organised the event, in which all motorcyclists rode in solidarity from the BP to the Grasmere toll plaza in Ennerdale, with a view to hold up traffic.

James Sleigh, co-founder of BAT, explained that authorities have been approached on numerous occasions by various motorcycle bodies to adjust these fees to a more equitable charge, but have been turned down by Sanral.

“The motorcycle community has had enough of this injustice and the continued media reports of the flagrant disregard and mismanagement of the county’s taxes,” Sleigh said. “We have come together to denounce any further wastage of our funds and demand the scrapping of urban tolling, and free passage for motorcycles on national highways.”

Bike SA editor Simon Fourie agrees with Sleigh, but does not agree with the nature of BAT’s protest.. “Why are we punishing the innocent motorist? Every single one is our friend and ally in opposing the E-tolls,” Fourie protested. “Have you ever been witness to the anger and frustration of the motorists who get caught in the chaos? Imagine if you and the family are in a car on Saturday heading for the Vaal for a happy family day out and you find yourself stuck in an intimidating protest.”

Fourie further stated that every living person in the country is by now already aware of E-tolls and although this disruption may raise more awareness, BAT should perhaps concentrate their efforts elsewhere. “If we want to blockade something, and not show our car friends inconsideration and disrespect, go for the enemy and blockade places like the Union Buildings and Parliament.”