Mobility
In respect of reports that there were 33 road fatalities in the province in the week between 29 April and 4 May 2025:
(1)What measures are in place to improve road safety in the province;
(2)whether the Province has sufficient traffic officers and other necessary measures in place to manage traffic flow effectively and to ensure the efficient use of roads, particularly in high-congestion areas; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, what are the relevant details?
- Mobility is focused on an approach to foster and improve collaboration between Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement and Local Authority Enforcement agencies, as well as with the National Traffic Police. Additional to this a comprehensive road safety education and awareness campaign has been implemented, focused on specific messaging to vulnerable road users to influence road user behaviour positively.
- The Province will never have sufficient resources to police every stretch of road on a 24/7 basis. However, the visibility of traffic law enforcement is only one aspect of dealing with congestion and improved traffic flows.
Primary responsibility for managing traffic and congestion falls to local authorities, but the Department is playing an active role in supporting and delivering sustainable transport alternatives to the car across the Western Cape. This includes supporting the delivery of quality bus services in George, working with local authorities to improve provision for NMT, exploring opportunities to introduce enhanced rural public transport services and working to reform minibus taxi services to deliver better, safer services. These efforts reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to urban and rural mobility, aiming to reduce reliance on private vehicles, alleviate congestion, improve public transport, and create a more sustainable and accessible Western Cape.
George Integrated Public Transport Network: The Department and the George Municipality established a partnership over a decade ago and have successfully delivered quality bus services to the people of George. The service - widely recognised as the leading Integrated Public Transport Network in the country – expanded further in the 2024/25 financial year through the successful launch of the route linking Thembalethu to the George Industrial area. Over 6,1 million passenger trips are transported annually on a fleet of 133 buses and weekday passenger trips are over 21 500. The service also achieved over 90 percent in passenger satisfaction surveys. Work continues to fully rollout the planned network.
Local NMT infrastructure: The Department works with local authorities across the Western Cape to plan, design, fund and construct improved NMT infrastructure, including sidewalks, safe crossings and cycle lanes. This includes improvements to the facilities around the Pioneer School for the Blind in Worcester.
Bicycle distribution: The Department distributes bicycles to organisations to support low-cost, low-carbon access to opportunities. During the 2024/25 financial year, 385 bicycles were distributed in Beaufort West, Prince Albert, Cape Town, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam and Swartland. The bicycles were allocated to 40 recipient organisations focusing on scholar mobility, community safety, SMMEs, community development, and recreation.
Park and Ride: The Department is investigating the feasibility of establishing a park and ride service in Stellenbosch to help alleviate the serious congestion issues faced by this rapidly growing municipality.
Rural transport solution: The Department is investigating options for improving connectivity in rural areas, where local communities often struggle to access services and opportunities.
Congestion is concentrated in Cape Town and various measures are being taken forward to address its traffic congestion challenges, including infrastructure development, public transport expansion and sustainable mobility initiatives:
Revitalisation of the rail network: The City recently agreed a Service Level Plan with PRASA to strengthen their role in overseeing the rail service, while continuing to push for progress towards devolution. At the same, the Mobility Department is engaging with PRASA and has continued to offer assistance and share information to support rail restoration. An MoU to enhance cooperation is currently being discussed with PRASA. One project that could be supported by the MOU is the investigation of measures to support the restoration of rail through the enhancement and expansion of park-and-ride facilities, which the Department is currently investigating.
Promotion of non-motorised transport: The City invests substantially in non-motorised transport infrastructure (NMT), including accessible walkways and cycle lanes.
Carpooling and flexible work hours: Promoting behaviour change through the City’s Travel Demand Management programme. Carpooling or ridesharing can result in fewer cars on the road, while flexible work hours can reduce traffic congestion during peak periods by encouraging travel at other times.
Improved public transport safety: The establishment of a dedicated enforcement unit patrolling across public transport interchanges and facilities. The Unit is funded with the support of the Department.
MyCiTi Phase 2a: The City is implementing the next phase of its BRT system, linking the Claremont / Wynberg node to the Metro South East (Khayelitsha / Mitchells Plain).
