Drivers lost an average of 96 hours a year in traffic, ranking the city 6th most congested globally, according to INRIX. With festive traffic rising, the City is stepping up enforcement to keep intersections clear. Cape Town has been ranked the sixth most congested city in the world, with drivers losing an average of 96 hours a year in traffic, according to the latest INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard.
The report analysed congestion data from 942 cities worldwide and found that while Cape Town’s congestion rose only 2% compared to last year, it has increased by 16% since 2023, placing growing strain on the city’s road network. Peak-hour speeds in the CBD averaged just 18km/h (11 miles per hour), underscoring the severity of daily gridlock. Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said rapid population growth and rising vehicle numbers were placing increasing pressure on Cape Town’s roads.
“More than a million new motor vehicles were sold in South Africa over the past two years. With many families moving to Cape Town, the city’s population has grown by over 100,000 since 2023,” Smith said. He warned that avoidable driver behaviour, particularly blocking intersections, was worsening congestion.
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