The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is embarking on nationwide stakeholder engagement sessions for feedback on the recently published draft policy for Rest and Service Facilities (RSFs) along South Africa’s national roads.
The Department of Transport was forced to amend the existing October 2021 policy, which was recently declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
It was found that the Sanral board implemented the policy with unilaterally increased access levies, without the required public consultation.
As such, the entity is now undertaking these sessions, with public comment allowed until 23 March 2026.
During one such engagement session, Sanral’s GM for Business Development, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, noted that forming sustainable partnerships within the public and private sectors is crucial for value generation.
Adding to this, Sanral’s Traffic Engineer, Siveshni Pillay, said the policy seeks to make important amendments to the 2021 version.
“It is important that we promote rest and service facilities as hubs for regional and local economic activity, supporting tourism, trade and job creation,” she added.
Beyond the promotion of economic activity, the policy has several other clear purposes for the development, approval and management of RSFs along national roads.
The policy notes that in addition to refuelling, these facilities play a vital role in enhancing road safety, convenience, and economic benefit by providing spaces for drivers to take a break, seek refuge in emergencies, and access food.
One of the biggest changes to the policy is its amendment to recognise electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the national route.
“In response to global climate challenges and the United Nations goals on sustainable development, this Policy has been updated to include considerations for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and the requirements for RSFs on or along National Roads,” the draft reads.
Regulating electric vehicle charging stations
Sanral has taken responsibility for establishing new EV Battery Swapping or Switching Stations along national routes in a manner consistent with its Transformation Policy and applicable procurement law.
Should this legislation pass, EV charging will become formally regulated under Sanral’s RSF policy, empowering the agency to charge levies on EV charging revenues from RSFs next to Sanral-owned highways.
This is already implemented on fuel revenues as a percentage-based levy of 0.5% on fuel revenue, and 1% of income on products sold in forecourts.
Zero Carbon Charge, an off-grid charge point operator, told our sister publication, MyBroadband, that Sanral wanted between 2% and 3% of its electricity revenue, and 5% to 7% of revenue from other sold products.
Apart from regulating existing RSFs and EV swapping facilities, Sanral has outlined its plans for these facilities going forward.
In line with South Africa’s Electric Vehicles White Paper, Sanral will oversee stricter and more detailed criteria for approving new RSFs, including those that primarily sell fuel.
Sanral will also have the discretion to determine the RSF type, size, and spacing based on traffic volumes, road classification, zoning, and safety factors.
The agency may choose to limit new refuelling or EV charging facilities based on proximity to existing facilities within a 5km radius.
The new policy also makes the integration of new energy vehicle (NEV) facilities mandatory for all new and refurbished RSFs, including provision for fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids.
This means new and upgraded fuel stations will likely incorporate EV charging infrastructure.
Comments on the new RSF policy from the public and industry stakeholders can be submitted via email to [email protected] before 23 March 2026.
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