Cape Town, 7th World’s Worst City for Traffic Congestion

January 14, 2025
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SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town has been ranked seventh globally for traffic congestion in the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. Commuters in the city lost 94 hours in traffic last year, underscoring the severe delays that affect both daily life and the economy.

The INRIX study, which analyzed data from 946 urban areas worldwide, shows that Cape Town’s road delays are part of a broader trend observed globally. Traffic congestion, while detrimental, can serve as an indicator of economic activity. “Traffic can also be seen as a barometer for the economy,” the report notes, highlighting how increased demand for road space due to higher economic activity results in delays.

Compared to other major cities, Cape Town’s congestion is particularly notable. Drivers in cities like Los Angeles lost 88 hours in traffic, while Istanbul ranked first with 105 hours of delays in 2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. Globally, the study found that 55% of urban areas experienced increased traffic delays compared to 2023, with significant economic losses in major regions.

In the US, drivers spent an average of 43 hours in traffic, costing $771 (R14,753) in lost time. European drivers faced similar costs, with the average UK driver losing 61 hours (R13,467) and Germans losing 43 hours (R9,169).

Cape Town’s heavy congestion is part of a wider global shift in commuting patterns, as more people return to office-based work post-pandemic. The INRIX report notes that in tech-centric US cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Seattle, telecommuting decreased significantly in 2023, leading to a surge in road traffic. This pattern reflects a “new normal,” where traffic is rising as more workers return to central business districts.

The economic toll of congestion is profound. Cape Town’s 94 hours of lost time contribute to a growing financial burden, as longer commute times, increased delays, and rising fuel costs affect both drivers and businesses. In the US, congestion caused over $74 billion (R1.42 trillion) in losses, while the UK and Germany saw costs of £7.8 billion (R180.9 billion) and €3.6 billion (R70.25 billion), respectively.

The report also points to a rise in weekend traffic, with more people heading into city centers during off-work hours. This shift, combined with growing weekday congestion, highlights the ongoing challenges facing urban mobility.

Alongside congestion, South Africa is dealing with road safety issues. Between December 1 and January 1, authorities arrested 7,448 people for traffic violations, including drunk driving, speeding, and bribery attempts. Over a million vehicles were checked during the festive season enforcement drive, which resulted in more than 6,000 vehicles being removed from the roads. Reckless driving continues to be a serious concern, with one motorist caught driving at 209 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in Limpopo.

As Cape Town continues to rank among the most congested cities globally, addressing traffic delays and improving road safety remain critical priorities for the city’s future.