In 2008 I conducted my Masters at Stellenbosch for which I analysed hourly traffic data for the entire Gauteng highway network. Traffic conditions were horrible, even shocking compared to most other metropoles in the world. I subsequently vowed to never go live in Gauteng. Things changed. In 2013 I moved to Gauteng and was pleasantly surprised at the acceptable levels of traffic on the N1 and R21 etc. Where were the completely clogged up, accident ridden roads which resulted in a regular 2 hour crawl from Pretoria to Joburg? It disappeared into thin air with the addition of major upgrades at a cost of billions of Rands.
Yes, the E-tolling system has some teething problems. Nevertheless, it is a world class system that nobody thought would be possible in a country where the challenges in terms of law enforcement are so formidable. Little else is working as it should in SA, at least our national road network is excellent.
Congratulations to SANRAL for being a parastatal with initiative and vision we can be proud of. Our roads are key to having a healthy economy and providing a better life for everybody.
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