Toll Gates Are Taking a Toll on Your Wallet
South African motorists are set to pay more at toll gates across the country as the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced a toll gates price hike effective 1 March 2025. The increase, pegged at 4.84%, is slightly lower than the 6.25% hike in 2024 but will still impact drivers and transport companies.
According to SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, Vusi Mona, the toll fee increase is necessary to fund road maintenance, operations, and infrastructure improvements.
“SANRAL is empathetic to the South African public, considering the current state of the economy. However, it is equally important to introduce these adjustments to ensure that the agency continues to deliver safe and quality roads to the benefit of all road users.” – Vusi Mona
The increase comes at a time when fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and the overall cost of living are rising, placing additional pressure on South Africans.
Why Are Toll Fees Increasing?
The toll gates price hike 2025 is attributed to inflation and road maintenance costs. SANRAL states that revenue collected from toll gates is reinvested into improving South Africa’s road network. This includes:
- Upgrading highways and infrastructure
- Funding maintenance and repairs to keep roads in good condition
- Repaying loans used to develop toll road projects
While these reasons are valid, many South Africans feel that the constant increase in toll fees is unfair, especially given the financial struggles many households face.
How the Toll Gates Price Hike 2025 Affects You
The increase in toll gate fees means:
- Commuters will spend more on daily travel, affecting workers and students.
- Truck and transport companies will pay higher fees, which could lead to higher prices for goods and services.
- Traffic congestion may increase as some drivers seek alternative routes to avoid toll roads.
- Road quality improvements could be expected, but many are skeptical if this justifies the cost.
New Toll Gate Prices for Major Routes
How Are Toll Fees Categorized?
Toll fees are divided based on vehicle class:
- Class 1: Motorcycles, motor tricycles, and cars (with or without trailers).
- Class 2: Medium-heavy vehicles with two axles.
- Class 3: Large heavy vehicles with three or four axles.
- Class 4: Extra-large heavy vehicles with five or more axles.
Below are the updated toll gates price hike 2025 rates for some of South Africa’s busiest highways.
N1 “Platinum Toll” Fees (Johannesburg – Pretoria – Polokwane)
| Toll Plaza | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormvoël | R12.00 | R30.50 | R35.00 | R42.00 |
| Zambesi | R14.50 | R36.00 | R42.00 | R51.00 |
| Pumulani | R16.00 | R40.00 | R46.00 | R55.00 |
| Wallmannsthal | R7.20 | R18.00 | R22.00 | R25.00 |
| Murrayhill | R14.50 | R36.00 | R44.00 | R50.00 |
| Hammanskraal | R34.00 | R116.00 | R126.00 | R145.00 |
| Carousel | R73.00 | R196.00 | R216.00 | R249.00 |
N3 Toll Gates (Johannesburg to Durban)
| Toll Plaza | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Hoek | R60.00 | R180.00 | R200.00 | R230.00 |
| Wilge | R72.00 | R210.00 | R235.00 | R270.00 |
| Tugela | R82.00 | R240.00 | R270.00 | R310.00 |
| Mooi River | R99.00 | R285.00 | R320.00 | R365.00 |
| Marianhill | R18.00 | R54.00 | R62.00 | R70.00 |
N4 Toll Gates (Pretoria to Rustenburg & Mpumalanga)
| Toll Plaza | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brits | R45.00 | R135.00 | R155.00 | R180.00 |
| Marikana | R52.00 | R155.00 | R180.00 | R210.00 |
| Swartruggens | R85.00 | R250.00 | R290.00 | R335.00 |
| Middelburg | R65.00 | R195.00 | R220.00 | R255.00 |
| Machado | R75.00 | R225.00 | R255.00 | R295.00 |
How to Save Money on Toll Fees
If you’re worried about toll gate prices, here are some cost-saving tips:
- Use alternative routes – Many provincial roads are toll-free (but may take longer).
- Consider e-tags – Some toll roads offer discounted rates for electronic tag users.
- Carpool or take public transport – Share fuel and toll costs with others.
- Plan your trips – Group errands and schedule travel during off-peak hours to save on fuel.
Related: Submit Your Budget Tips Before the 2025 National Budget – Have Your Say!
Final Thoughts
The toll gates price hike 2025 is another challenge for South African road users, adding to the already high costs of fuel and transportation. While SANRAL states that these funds are necessary to maintain and improve road infrastructure, many believe that the frequent increases are making travel too expensive.
