Truckers and everyday motorists could soon feel the pinch at truck stops, fuel stations and roadside facilities if proposed policy changes by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) move ahead.
The proposed amendments would allow Sanral to introduce charges on businesses operating near national roads, including the possibility of taking a percentage of turnover from these operations. Industry stakeholders warn that this move, while aimed at regulating rest and service facilities, could have direct financial consequences for road users.
For businesses already running on tight margins, any additional cost is unlikely to be absorbed quietly. Operators of fuel stations, truck stops and future EV charging facilities may be forced to increase their prices to remain sustainable. That means higher costs for fuel, parking, food and other essential services used daily by truck drivers and long-distance motorists.
For fleets, this is where it starts to bite.
Transport operators are already dealing with rising diesel prices, toll fees and maintenance costs. If roadside services become more expensive, the cost per trip increases. Over time, this adds pressure on transport rates, which then filters through to the price of goods across the country.
Simply put, what gets added at the roadside doesn’t stay there, it moves through the entire supply chain.
There are also concerns about long-term investment in roadside infrastructure. Businesses and investors argue that introducing turnover-based charges and limiting operating approvals to fixed periods could discourage development, especially in sectors like EV charging that require significant capital.
Farmers and private landowners have also pushed back, saying the policy may interfere with their ability to generate income from their own land. Some have questioned whether Sanral is overreaching by stepping into areas such as land use and commercial activity.
With the comment period closing on 25 March 2026, the proposal has drawn increased scrutiny from across the logistics and agricultural sectors. For now, truckers and motorists are being warned to brace for possible price increases at roadside businesses if the policy is implemented.
For an industry already running on tight margins, this could be another load added to the trailer.
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