Motorists across South Africa will pay more at toll gates from 1 March after the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) confirmed an annual tariff increase of 3.12%.
The adjustment, published in the Government Gazette earlier this month, is linked to inflation data supplied by Statistics South Africa. The hike is lower than last year’s 4.85% increase.
SANRAL said toll revenue remains critical to funding the maintenance, operation and improvement of the national road network, as well as servicing debt related to toll road projects.
SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing Vusi Mona said the funds play a key role in supporting the agency’s infrastructure mandate.
“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 said.
He added that a reliable road network underpins economic activity and is essential for the delivery of basic services such as electricity, water, sanitation, telecommunications and public transport.
While acknowledging the financial strain facing consumers, Mona said the adjustment was necessary to maintain safe and efficient roads.
“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,” he said.
The increase comes as households contend with rising living costs, with higher transport expenses expected to add further pressure on motorists who depend on toll routes for daily commutes and long-distance travel proof that even the open road isn’t immune to inflation.