The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has launched a road traffic campaign called “Don’t be a Creep”, urging motorists to stay behind the line and avoid blocking intersections.
The campaign kicks off today, 27 October 2025, and will continue throughout the festive season, when traffic volumes traditionally soar.
The initiative targets the common practice of “creeping”, when drivers edge over the stop line or into intersections despite not having enough time to clear them before the light turns red.
This behaviour, the City says, worsens congestion, frustrates other motorists, and violates traffic laws.
“Creeping makes congestion worse and tempers flare,” said Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
“When motorists block intersections, they trap everyone in gridlock, including emergency vehicles that may be responding to crises. It’s unsafe, illegal, and completely avoidable. Don’t be a creep, and help keep Cape Town moving.”
The “Don’t be a Creep” campaign includes signage at key intersections and arterial routes such as the M3 and major exit points from the city centre, where creeping is most often observed.
Motorists are reminded to:
- Wait behind the intersection line until it’s safe to proceed
- Keep intersections and pedestrian crossings clear at all times
The City is also urging residents to report faulty traffic signals, which can worsen congestion:
- Use the City of Cape Town mobile app
- Call 0860 103 089
- Email contact.us@capetown.gov.za
- Visit www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests and select Transport, Traffic and Roads
By staying patient and following the rules, the City says, road users can make Cape Town’s streets safer and smoother for everyone this festive season.
READ: City mulling peak-hour congestion charge to tackle traffic gridlock
