Share

Anti-toll truckers block roads

BRASILIA, Brazil - South Africa is not the only country with 'go-slow' protests against highway toll-roads. This South American capital has several roads blocked by truckers for similar reasons.

Trucks blocked highways in at least five Brazilian states as drivers demanded fuel subsidies, an end to road tolls and better working conditions, local media reported, while here in SA the threat of promised mass protest has diminished to almost nothing.

A military police spokesman told AFP one of the main access roads to Latin America's biggest container port at Santos in south-eastern Sao Paulo state had been blocked for 24 hours before being cleared.

Drivers cleared access to the Conego Domenico Rangoni highway connecting the port with Brazil's interior while police used tear gas to break up a dozen-strong group, police spokesman Mathias do Nascimento said.

PROTEST IN NINE STATES

The blockade had seen an 11km traffic jam build up along the congested route to the port as drivers protested the mooted introduction of tolls for empty lorries, which had been due to be enforced from July 1, but has been postponed.

Other highways were blocked in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina, while similar protests were seen in nine states on Monday.

The leader of Brazil's Drivers' Union (MUBC) Nelio Botelho, idicated to Folha de Sao Paulo that the protests would continue until July 4.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE