Sanral toll increase takes effect this March, discount still being considered for Pretoria commuters

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has announced that toll tariffs across its network will increase by 3.12% from March 1, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by Statistics South Africa.

Sanral said the increase is lower than last year’s 4.85% adjustment.

General Manager for Communications and Marketing, Vusi Mona, said toll revenue remains essential to the agency’s operations and long-term sustainability.

“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,” said Mona.

Mona added that national road infrastructure underpins the delivery of other essential services.

He acknowledged the economic strain facing many South Africans.

The increase comes amid ongoing engagements between Sanral and Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire over requests from residents in parts of Pretoria, particularly the Moot and Pretoria North.

The residents are requesting a toll discount for frequent local users of the Bakwena N1/N4 route’s toll gates, giving them access to the suburbs they live in.

Responding to questions on these requests, Sanral media spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela said discussions with affected communities have been ongoing for nearly a year, although no final decision has yet been taken.

He said the issue involves complex contractual and policy considerations.

Addressing the discount matter, he said it is progressing through appropriate channels, and various options have been assessed.

“Sanral and Bakwena have assessed various discount mechanisms, including the potential application of Sanral’s standard Frequent User Discount framework.

Sanral and Bakwena continue to collaborate on potential mechanisms in line with relevant policies and agreements; no final decisions have been reached,” he said.

“Bakwena confirmed their board met on November 24, 2025, to discuss relevant matters on this issue. As this was an internal board meeting, Sanral cannot comment on the detailed deliberations or recommendations arising from that meeting,” Mahlasela said.

He added that both parties remain committed to finding viable options.

A requested meeting to deliberate on the way forward as per users’ requests between the Bakwena board chair and Sanral’s CEO has not yet taken place.

“Regretfully, a meeting between the parties was postponed. The meeting is currently being rescheduled,” said Mahlasela.

He attributed the delay to scheduling constraints.

On concerns that many households operate multiple vehicles and face cumulative toll costs, Mahlasela said affordability remains part of the discussion, although no corridor-specific household impact study has been conducted.

He confirmed that a frequent user discount for local frequent users remains under consideration.

“Sanral and Bakwena are considering a frequent user discount for local frequent users as one potential option in line with policy and contractual requirements,” said Mahlasela.

However, no interim relief measures will be introduced while discussions continue.

“Neither Sanral nor Bakwena has a mechanism to directly offset external factors like fuel prices or inflation. Toll fee adjustments are applied per the concession agreement, linked to CPI, to maintain road network sustainability,” he said.

Mahlasela said tariff adjustments are applied in accordance with concession agreements and are necessary to ensure the continued maintenance and upgrading of the Bakwena N1/N4 road network.

“Toll tariff adjustments are contractually linked to CPI and applied in accordance with the concession contract to fund continued maintenance, upgrades and long-term sustainability of the Bakwena N1/N4 road network and associated services to international standards. This approach ensures reliable infrastructure that supports economic growth and connectivity. Sustained funding is critical for long-term viability. It is consistently applied across all Sanral toll concessions,” he said.

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