Cape Town, South Africa — Starting June 1st, motorists driving through central parts of Cape Town during peak hours will have to pay a new congestion tax. The announcement, made by the City of Cape Town, has sparked wide-ranging public reaction and is set to affect thousands of daily commuters across the metro.
The congestion charge is part of a broader plan aimed at reducing traffic gridlock, cutting vehicle emissions, and encouraging the use of public transport. With Cape Town ranking among the country’s most traffic-congested cities, city officials say the time has come for bold measures to ease pressure on urban roads.
Where and When Will It Apply?
The congestion tax will initially be enforced in high-traffic zones like the Cape Town CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, and parts of Woodstock and Observatory. The charge will apply from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Drivers passing through designated congestion points during these hours will be required to pay R25 per entry, either via an automatic number plate recognition system or through a mobile payment app.
What’s the Purpose?
City officials argue the goal is not to punish drivers, but to make Cape Town’s transport system more sustainable and efficient. According to the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, “Our roads are under tremendous strain, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours. This initiative will hopefully shift behavior towards more eco-friendly and less car-dependent commuting.”
Officials also noted that revenue generated from the tax will be reinvested into public transport upgrades, bicycle lanes, and infrastructure improvements — particularly for underserved communities that rely heavily on public mobility.
Public Reaction Mixed
Not everyone is on board with the new charge. While some residents see it as a necessary step to manage the city’s growing traffic problem, others believe it unfairly targets working-class drivers who rely on private cars due to limited transport alternatives.
A local rideshare driver commented, “We already spend so much on fuel, tolls, and car maintenance. Now we’re being taxed just to get to work?” Others, especially environmental advocates, welcomed the move, saying it’s a wake-up call for cities to think about long-term sustainability.
Exemptions and Discounts
Certain groups will be exempt from the tax, including emergency services, registered public buses, and vehicles transporting people with disabilities. In addition, Cape Town residents who live within the congestion zones will qualify for monthly discount passes.
Small businesses operating within affected areas are also being offered consultation sessions to discuss ways the policy might impact deliveries and operations.
Alternative Travel Options Pushed
The City is urging residents to consider alternative transport options, including minibus taxis, MyCiTi buses, carpooling, or cycling. As part of the rollout, several new park-and-ride facilities will be introduced along major commuter routes from suburbs like Bellville, Mitchells Plain, and Claremont.
The City has confirmed that real-time traffic data and congestion levels will be monitored in the first three months to determine the charge’s effectiveness and assess whether adjustments are needed.
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What’s Next?
With just days left before the congestion tax takes effect, Cape Town residents are urged to plan ahead. More detailed maps and guidelines are available on the City’s official website, and mobile alerts will be rolled out this week to remind drivers about enforcement zones and payment options.
As Cape Town takes this bold step toward reshaping its urban traffic culture, the coming months will reveal whether congestion pricing becomes a long-term fixture or just a temporary experiment.
Stay tuned for updates as the implementation unfolds and motorists adjust to the new rhythm of city travel.
