Talk of a proposed “congestion charge” to ease Cape Town’s gridlocked streets has sparked confusion and debate among residents and motorists.
According to the latest INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Cape Town was ranked the ninth-most congested city in the world.
City officials are working to find solutions to Cape Town’s growing traffic crisis. However, some reports have suggested that motorists could soon be charged for driving into congested areas and/or using high-traffic zones, especially during peak hours.
This week the City of Cape Town issued a statement to clarify its stance.
“The City has noted with concern recent media reports causing unnecessary alarm about a ‘congestion charge’ for Cape Town, and would like to set the record straight: this is not something the City is introducing,” the statement read.
“A congestion charge is not being implemented now or in the near future.”
Cape Town wants public transport to be first choice
City officials insist the reports misrepresented a single idea from the Revised Travel Demand Management Strategy.
The document, which outlines long-term strategies to reduce traffic and improve mobility, includes a range of theoretical ideas – but a congestion levy is not among them.
“The Strategy clearly states that the City would not consider or even investigate a congestion tax or charge until public transport is the most reliable and effective option to travel,” the statement continued.
According to the City, the Strategy’s inclusion of international examples of congestion management was purely forward-looking. Only measures that are appropriate for “the Cape Town of today” will be implemented.
“A congestion charge in our current system would restrict access, not increase it – which is the opposite of our goal to make mobility more equitable for all Capetonians,” the City noted.
Have your say
Capetonians have been urged to participate in shaping the city’s transport future by reviewing the full Revised Travel Demand Management Strategy and submitting their own feedback here.
“We are proposing practical, positive measures to improve how we get around today, including encouraging remote work and better access to local services,” the City added.
“This includes improving park & ride facilities to support public transport use, and making pedestrian and cycling experiences safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
