Complexity

Found a new quote:

For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.

H L Mencken.

How should we be financing our freeways?

The eTolls are appropriate - pay for use. Why should drivers outside Gauteng pay for Gauteng freeways through a fuel levy or income tax? Now we must leverage the eTolls system to greater benefit
The eTolls infrastructure has already been built. It's an imperfect system, but since we've spent the money already we may as well use it.
A Fuel Levy would be more efficient and encourage fuel efficiency, lower pollution
Increase my income tax. Roads should be paid for through general government revenues anyway and the rich should pay more since they can afford it.
Increase VAT. That way everybody pays for it and not just the rich. Tax is too progressive already and VAT is more difficult to dodge.
Why should we pay for something we didn't ask for? Government didn't have a mandate to spend that much money on roads. I don't care about the consequences, I'm not paying
Government should borrow additional money to pay for it. Our children can deal with the problem - we have enough of our own.
A one-off wealth-tax could raise enough money to pay for the roads and decrease income inequality. It might hurt, but the positive benefits in the medium term would be worth it.
Licence renewal fees should go up. That way we can tailor the cost to the type of vehicle and its impact on the road without fancy eTolls.

Twenty Third Floor