The South African National Roads Agency on Wednesday appealed to motorists to make use of their free vehicle-towing service.

SANRAL said they were met with stiff opposition when trying to move vehicles on highways and motorists were often sceptical about tow trucks.

The agency said stationary vehicles on the highway caused major disruptions especially in areas where road works were already affecting traffic.

SANRAL's Alex van Niekerk said motorists, who get stuck on the highway, often refuse to be towed to the nearest place of safety by contracted tow trucks at construction sites.

Van Niekerk assured drivers it was free.

He urged motorists, who needed to make use of the service, to check for a SANRAL sticker on the side of the tow truck, ask for an indemnity form which said the service was free and fill out the form in the presence of a contractor at the construction site.