Article re-cap
- The City of Cape Town has introduced new traffic measures on Kloof Nek Road to reduce heavy vehicle crashes on the steep descent into the CBD.
- Heavy vehicles must now use a dedicated left hand lane for approximately 250 metres before stopping at a designated stop control.
- Drivers of heavy vehicles are required to come to a complete stop, engage a low gear, and remain in low gear for the rest of the descent.
- The City of Cape Town is awaiting final approval to install a permanent enforcement camera at the compulsory stop to improve compliance.
The City of Cape Town has introduced new traffic measures on Kloof Nek Road to reduce heavy vehicle crashes on the steep descent into the CBD.
Heavy vehicles must now use a dedicated left-hand lane for approximately 250 metres before stopping at a designated stop control. According to the City of Cape Town, drivers are required to come to a complete stop, engage a low gear, and remain in low gear for the rest of the descent.
The intervention aims to reduce the risk of brake failures and runaway vehicles following several serious crashes on the route in recent years. Drivers of passenger vehicles are advised to move into the right-hand lane before reaching the start of the heavy vehicle lane. Those who remain in the left lane will also be required to stop at the compulsory stop.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said the changes follow a public participation process that began in September 2025. He expressed confidence that the new measures will help improve safety for all road users.
The City is awaiting final approval to install a permanent enforcement camera at the compulsory stop to improve compliance with the rules. Kloof Nek Road serves as a busy route connecting the City Bowl with suburbs along the Atlantic Seaboard, and its steep gradient has raised concerns among residents and emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new traffic rules for heavy vehicles on Kloof Nek Road?
Heavy vehicles must use a dedicated left-hand lane for about 250 metres, then stop at a designated stop control. Drivers must come to a complete stop, engage a low gear, and remain in low gear for the entire descent to prevent brake failure and runaway vehicles.
Why has the City of Cape Town introduced these measures on Kloof Nek Road?
The new traffic measures aim to reduce heavy vehicle crashes on the steep descent into the CBD. Several serious crashes in recent years prompted the intervention, which addresses the risk of brake failures and runaway vehicles on this challenging route.
What should passenger vehicle drivers do on Kloof Nek Road now?
Passenger vehicle drivers are advised to move into the right-hand lane before reaching the start of the heavy vehicle lane. If they remain in the left lane, they will also be required to stop at the compulsory stop.
What enforcement measures will support the new Kloof Nek Road rules?
The City of Cape Town is awaiting final approval to install a permanent enforcement camera at the compulsory stop to improve driver compliance with the new safety measures.
Source: capetownetc.com
