City mulling peak-hour congestion charge to tackle traffic gridlock

The City of Cape Town has invited residents to share their views on its updated Travel Demand Management (TDM) Strategy, which could include a peak-hour congestion charge.

Thousands of people endure daily long commutes and severe congestion along Cape Town’s highways, and according to a recent report, the average Cape Town driver loses 94 hours yearly to traffic delays, equivalent to two working weeks.

Cape Town ranks as the 9th most congested city globally.

To address these challenges and reduce transport-related emissions, the City is rethinking mobility in Cape Town, with bold plans to encourage people to get out of their private vehicles and rethink their commuting patterns.

The TDM Strategy forms part of the City’s Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan (CITP) 2023–2028, which envisions that “all people have efficient access to opportunities in a way that is sustainable and provides dignity.”

Rethinking Mobility in Cape Town

The updated strategy aims to reduce dependence on private cars, particularly single-occupant vehicles during peak hours, while encouraging public and active transport such as walking and cycling.

It also promotes flexible and remote work, carpooling, and digital access to services to help manage travel demand.

By balancing travel demand with the capacity of the existing transport system, the City hopes to create a more liveable, sustainable, and fair Cape Town, one where congestion is reduced, travel times improve, and emissions decline.

Key Focus Areas

The strategy outlines five main intervention areas:

Voluntary Measures: Encouraging employers to adopt workplace travel plans, promote carpooling, and support flexible working arrangements.
Institutional Actions: Integrating land use and transport planning by promoting high-density, mixed-use areas near public transport.
Infrastructure Measures: Expanding dedicated lanes for buses and high-occupancy vehicles, and upgrading park-and-ride facilities.
Regulatory Measures: Managing parking supply to discourage unnecessary private car use.
Pricing Measures: Exploring congestion pricing and variable parking fees to encourage public transport and shared trips.

Have Your Say

The City is calling on residents to share their views on the draft TDM Strategy between now and 13 November 2025:

Online: Submit via the City’s online portal.
Email: Send to UrbanMobility.CT@capetown.gov.za
In-person: Visit your nearest Subcouncil office or City library to complete and submit a comment form.

For more information, visit the City of Cape Town’s website.