Tour bus sector and residents to note restriction of large buses along Upper Wale Street, Bo-Kaap

09 April 2025

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate will implement a restriction on large tour buses – these are buses with 36 seats and more – from entering Upper Wale Street in Bo-Kaap. Certain parking restrictions will also apply. The signage will be implemented soon. These interventions are in response to complaints from residents about the congestion caused by large tour buses along Upper Wale Street through the Bo-Kaap precinct.

‘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 the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas

‘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,’ said Ward Councillor Francine Higham.

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

The Ward Councillor, Francine Higham, and the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate consulted the affected parties prior to making this decision at a public meeting where the following attendees were present:

• 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)

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office