The City of Cape Town unveils an ambitious Mobility and Access Plan for the CBD aimed at creating a pedestrian-friendly, public transport-focused city centre.
Image: City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town has invited the public to comment on its proposed CBD Mobility and Access Plan, which aims to promote walking and cycling, and create a pedestrian-friendly space.
Out for public comment until May 11, the plan proposes a road network plan, a schedule of routes to be partially pedestrianised, and a parking plan to support the vision of a "car-free CBD".
"The main ideas are to improve walkability in the heart of the CBD, around the public transport stations and terminus; to promote walking and cycling within the CBD by creating a decongestion zone; and to divert through-traffic onto bypass roads, with targeted safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The decongestion zone would include superblocks, similar to those in Barcelona, but relevant to the local context," the City said.
The road network plan prioritises pedestrians and public transport along transit streets, and diverts through-traffic onto bypass routes.
Additionally, a parking plan will be developed to encourage the use of public transport and reduce private vehicle dominance.
The City’s mayco member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, said: “‘Importantly, residents are now also encouraged to comment on the draft Mobility and Access Plan specifically designed for the CBD. Another round of public participation will follow in coming months, taking into account the input we receive during this current commenting period. The intention is to create a walking and cycling network that is efficient and well-connected; one that users find safe and convenient and will improve access. Ultimately, those who work and live in the CBD, and visitors, must find it easy to get to their destinations and a pleasure to move through the area."
Makhosandile Tumana of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said the plan would improve the transport experience of their customers.
“SANTACO Western Province welcomes every initiatives that can promote public transport and minimise the congestion in the CBD and create more opportunities for our people to use public transport so we are supporting this development in CBD.”
Golden Arrow spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke- Beyer, said they could not comment on the proposal as they needed time to assess it.
"Golden Arrow is still studying the draft local spatial development framework (LSDF) for the Cape Town CBD and will share all comments directly with the City,” she said.
The City’s Deputy Mayor and mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews said they were encouraging people to be part of the process.
“We are hosting three online information sessions in coming weeks where interested parties will have the opportunity to get more details on these proposals, and to interact with the officials who have developed these proposals."
A key priority is also to develop an integrated transport and land use solution for the Foreshore Precinct.
A feasibility study is under way and has not been concluded as yet.
The proposed Mobility and Access Plan, as well as the draft LSDF, are available on the City’s website at: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
How to comment:
Cape Argus
