The City of Cape Town has officially restricted the entry of large tour buses (36+ seaters) into the historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood via Wale Street, Travel News reported. This action follows ongoing protests by residents who voiced concerns over congestion and safety issues caused by oversized vehicles navigating the area’s steep and narrow roads.
“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 Rob Quintas, the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, as quoted by Travel News.
According to Bo-Kaap Ward Councillor Francine Higham, the city has developed formal layout plans following consultations with residents, officials, and tour operators. These plans include
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.
The initiative seeks to balance heritage preservation with sustainable tourism management, ensuring Bo-Kaap remains accessible yet protected from over-tourism and traffic pressure.
Source: Travel News
 from entering Bo-Kaap via Wale Street due to resident concerns over congestion. The area’s steep and narrow roads were deemed unsuitable for such vehicles. New layout plans designate specific stop-and-drop zones and parking bays along Buitengracht. Smaller buses may use a designated drop-off at the Bo-Kaap Museum and must park behind Schotsche Kloof Civic Centre.){kind=link}