Plan accordingly as toll fees set to rise in March

If you enjoy exploring the many KwaZulu-Natal tourism sites and attending the awesome events taking place this year, you’re going to have to budget a little extra for your next road trip. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has confirmed that toll tariffs across the country will increase by 3.12% from 1 March 2026.

While the hike is lower than last year’s 4.85% adjustment, it will still have a noticeable impact on commuters and long-distance drivers in KwaZulu-Natal (and beyond).

Why are tolls increasing?

According to Sanral communications and marketing general manager Vusi Mona, toll tariffs are adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The revenue collected is used to:

• Maintain and operate toll roads
• Improve existing infrastructure
• Service debt incurred in building and upgrading toll roads

Sanral says a reliable national road network is essential for supporting electricity, water, sanitation, telecommunications and public transport systems, as well as industrial and commercial activity. While acknowledging the economic pressure facing South Africans, the agency maintains that the increase is necessary to ensure safe, quality roads for all users.

What this means for KZN drivers

For KZN motorists, the increases will be felt most on key routes connecting Durban to the KZN North Coast, KZN South Coast, and inland. Some increases you can expect include:

N2 Toll Plazas (Class 1 vehicles)

• King Shaka Mainline: R8.50
• Mtunzini Mainline: R63.50

N3 Toll Plazas (Class 1 vehicles – light motor vehicles)

• Mooi Mainline: R70.00
• Tugela Mainline: R100.00
• Wilge Mainline: R94.00
• De Hoek Mainline: R67.00

For a full list of the latest Toll Tariffs, click here.  

The good news is that the traditional magnetic swipe cards have been phased out at Sanral-operated toll booths and replaced with a faster, safer Tap&Go system. So, you might be paying more, but at least the queues will be quicker!

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