Statement on Congestion Charge
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.
A congestion charge is not being implemented now or in the near future. Sensationalist reports have misrepresented a single idea in our Revised Travel Demand Management Strategy, a document that maps our path to building a city with less congestion and more travel choices into the future.
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. We are investing heavily in Cape Town’s public transport offering but there is still a very long way to go before buses and trains are a reliable and attractive alternative to private cars. Regardless, at this stage there is not even provision for congestion charging in national legislation.
As a forward-looking document, it includes theoretical measures that could only be considered in the long term, based on studies of other world cities. However, 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.
We are asking residents to share their thoughts on measures that can realistically be implemented in the immediate future. We are proposing practical, positive measures to improve how we get around today, including encouraging remote work and better access to local services, improving park & ride facilities to support public transport use, and making pedestrian and cycling experiences safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Don’t let misguiding headlines stress you out. Read the proposed strategy for yourself, and have your say. Your informed feedback is what will truly shape Cape Town’s transport future.
Visit: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay or www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate to read the full Revised TDMS.
To comment or submit recommendations email: UrbanMobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (quote reference 110252603) or visit your local Subcouncil office or nearest City library.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
