In 2007, the cabinet approved the upgrading of Gauteng freeways and the next year the government declared 186km of Gautengs freeways as toll roads.
However, the move was not an easy one, as it was met by resistance from motorists. There was a public outcry over the matter, especially where funding was concerned, resulting in the establishment of the civil action group Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, which constantly took the matter to court.
E-tolling faced widespread public resistance, low compliance levels and years of legal and political disputes. Many motorists also refused to pay.
