Sanral Toll
By Mpho Moloi
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced an adjustment to toll tariffs, effective from 1 March 2025. The toll fees across SANRAL-managed roads will increase by 4.84%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as reported by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The revised tariffs were published in the Government Gazette on 7 February 2025.
This adjustment is lower than last year’s increase of 6.25%, reflecting a more moderate rise in accordance with economic conditions. While SANRAL acknowledges the impact of rising costs on South African motorists, the agency maintains that the adjustments are necessary to sustain national road infrastructure.
Why Are Toll Tariffs Increasing?
SANRAL adjusts toll fees annually based on CPI-linked inflation to ensure that the country’s road network remains financially sustainable. The revenue generated from tolls is used to maintain, operate, and improve toll roads, as well as to service debt incurred in implementing toll road projects.
SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, Vusi Mona, explained the rationale behind the increases:
“The funds go a long way towards ensuring that SANRAL fulfils its mandate of delivering quality road infrastructure that adds value to the lives of South African citizens.”Mona further elaborated that well-maintained national roads are essential for economic growth, as they facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people.
“This road network, therefore, needs to meet industrial, commercial, and household needs. SANRAL is empathetic to the South African public, considering the current state of the economy. However, it is equally important to introduce the adjustments to ensure that the agency continues to deliver safe and quality roads to the benefit of all road users.”How Will the 2025 Toll Tariff Increase Affect Motorists?
The 4.84% increase means that motorists will pay slightly more when using toll roads across South Africa. The new tariff schedule, based on SANRAL’s latest update, includes:
• N1 Route (Platinum Highway, Gauteng to Limpopo):
• Standard light vehicles: R7.20 to R108
• N3 Route (Johannesburg to Durban):
• Standard light vehicles: R20 to R347
• N4 Route (Pretoria to Maputo):
• Standard light vehicles: R18 to R283
• N2 Route (Cape Town to Durban, via Eastern Cape):
• Standard light vehicles: R14 to R165
These increases vary per toll plaza, and SANRAL has urged motorists to review the full tariff list on their official website.
Public Reaction and Economic Considerations
Many South Africans have expressed concern about the rising cost of living and the additional burden of increased toll fees. Motorists, transport operators, and logistics companies argue that the adjustment will raise transport costs, which could lead to higher consumer prices for goods and services.
Road Freight Association (RFA) spokesperson Gavin Kelly commented:
“While we understand the need for maintaining road infrastructure, these increases ultimately impact logistics companies and businesses that rely on road transport. Fuel prices are already high, and now additional toll costs will make it more expensive to move goods across the country.”Despite these concerns, SANRAL insists that toll revenues are essential to ensure the continued maintenance and expansion of national road networks.
How Toll Revenue is Used
SANRAL is responsible for managing both toll and non-toll roads in South Africa. According to Mona, the revenue generated from tolls plays a crucial role in:
• Road maintenance – Ensuring that South Africa’s national roads remain in good condition and reducing vehicle wear-and-tear costs for motorists.
• Infrastructure development – Funding the expansion and improvement of highways, bridges, and interchanges to accommodate growing traffic demands.
• Debt servicing – Repaying loans and investments used to build major highways and toll projects.
Mona highlighted that without toll revenue, many of South Africa’s key road projects would face funding shortfalls, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and increased road congestion.
Government’s Response to the Toll Tariff Adjustments
The Department of Transport, under which SANRAL operates, has supported the toll adjustments, arguing that maintaining road infrastructure is critical to economic growth.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga defended the toll hikes, stating:
“Our national road network is the backbone of South Africa’s economy. These adjustments ensure that we can continue building and maintaining world-class roads that support trade, tourism, and everyday travel.”However, opposition parties and civil rights groups have called for greater transparency in SANRAL’s financial management. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has previously criticised SANRAL’s e-tolling system in Gauteng and questioned whether all toll revenues are used efficiently.
OUTA spokesperson Wayne Duvenage reiterated:
“SANRAL must be more transparent about where the money goes. While we understand the need for road funding, many South Africans remain skeptical about how toll revenues are managed.”What Motorists Can Expect From 1 March 2025
With the new toll fees coming into effect on 1 March 2025, SANRAL has advised motorists to plan accordingly. The agency has also recommended the use of e-tags and electronic payment methods to streamline transactions at toll plazas.
For motorists looking to minimise their toll expenses, SANRAL has suggested alternative routes, though these may increase travel time and fuel consumption.
Mona emphasised:
“We encourage motorists to check the updated toll rates, as well as consider carpooling or adjusting travel routes where necessary. Our goal remains to keep South Africa’s road network in top condition while ensuring that toll adjustments remain fair.”🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 92 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Lamola Reaffirms Sovereignty Amid U.S. Criticism Over Land Reform Policies”
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