As public frustration boils over in northern Pretoria, residents and political figures alike are demanding urgent answers on the long-delayed toll fee discount promised to local commuters.

For months, residents in northern suburbs such as Doornpoort, Montana and Soshanguve have pleaded for a reduction in toll fees charged on the Bakwena-operated N1 and N4 routes.

These toll roads are critical for their daily commuting, but the costs are increasingly unaffordable.

Community activist Lydia Raath noted that “the community is still carrying the burden of paying these toll fees to get in and out of their residential areas”.

Despite promises of progress, the process has dragged on since March this year.

In a response, Gert Botha, Sanral’s toll network manager, explained: “We responded formally to the Bakwena proposal for a discount on August 1 and held a clarification meeting at Bakwena’s request on September 19, followed by a meeting last week. We are waiting for Bakwena’s updated proposal in a formal reply.”

According to Botha, the delay stems from the legal complexities involved in renegotiating a contract signed 25 years ago.

“It is not only governance, but legal as well, as there is an existing contract that needs to be negotiated and adjusted,” he stated.

Raath said, “We are now six months down the line and would really like to know what progress has been made.

“This remains a financial burden on the community. We as the community really hope that we get a solution before the end of the year, especially as toll fees are again going up on March 1, 2026, which will make the financial burden bigger on the community.”

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