The City of Cape Town has restricted entry into Bo-Kaap for large tour buses in response to longstanding protests by residents about traffic congestion caused by these vehicles.

In particular, residents complained that the neighbourhood’s Upper Wale Street cannot accommodate the movement of tour buses with 36 seats and more.

“Those who are familiar with the Bo-Kaap are well aware of the steep and narrow roads. Given the area’s geometrical challenges, the entry of large tour buses has to be restricted to ensure the free movement of general traffic into and from the area,” said the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas.

Bo-Kaap Ward Councillor Francine Higham said, after extensive engagement with all affected parties, the city has prepared layout plans that will formalise parking, holding and stopping areas.

The following solutions will be implemented:

• Large tour buses (36+ seaters) will be restricted from entering the Bo-Kaap via Wale Street.
• The existing parking along Buitengracht (southern approach), south of Wale Street, will be converted into a stop-and-drop facility for buses.
• An existing parking embayment along Buitengracht, between Church and Shortmarket streets, will have three bus bays.
• Smaller tour buses will only be permitted to use the drop-and-go outside the Bo-Kaap Museum on Wale Street and must proceed to parking in the allocated area behind the Schotsche Kloof Civic Centre on Yusuf Drive.

“We are grateful to the community for bringing their concerns to our attention and for their patience while a solution was being designed and implemented. I also thank the tour bus operator sector for their cooperation in this regard,” said Higham.