The City of Cape Town says it will restrict large tour buses from entering Bo-Kaap, particularly Upper Wale Street.
A protest was held in November 2024 by the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association and the association reported increasing congestion, safety hazards, and accessibility issues for emergency services.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate said certain parking
restrictions will also apply. The signage for buses with 36 seats and more will
be implemented soon.
COURTESY: City of Cape TownA public meeting - involving Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch, Bo
Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association, Bo-Kaap Tourism Association, Cape Town
Tourism, Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and
Tourism(DEDAT), Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA), Southern Africa Tourism
Services Association (SATSA), City of Cape Town - was held prior to the
implementation.
‘’The environment on Upper Wale Street in Bo-Kaap cannot
accommodate the movement of big tour buses – this includes parking and stacking
into the area. 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 will have to be restricted to ensure the free movement of
general traffic into and from the area. The City thanks all affected parties
for their cooperation and understanding as we implement these changes to
accommodate a solution that promotes mobility and road safety in the Bo-Kaap
precinct,’’ said Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
Ward Councillor, Francine Higham, welcomed the move
‘’After extensive engagement with all affected parties, the
City has prepared layout plans for implementation that will formalise parking
and holding areas, as well as indicate the no parking and stopping locations. I
believe the solutions to be implemented this month will significantly improve
the situation. We are grateful to the community for bringing these concerns to
our attention and grateful 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.’’
The following solutions will be implemented:
• Large tour buses (36+ seater) will be restricted from
entering the Bo-Kaap via Wale Street
• The existing parking along Buitengracht (southern
approach) just south of Wale Street will be converted into a stop-and-drop
facility for large tour buses
• An existing parking embayment along Buitengracht – this
is the section between Church Street and Shortmarket Street, will have three
bus bays
• Smaller tour buses, these are buses with 35 seats and
less, will only be permitted to utilise the drop-and-go outside the Bo-Kaap
Museum on Wale Street, and must then proceed to park in the allocated parking
area behind the Schotsche Kloof Civic Centre on Yusuf Drive
Done By: Mitchum George
No comments:
Post a Comment