Staff Reporter
The City of Windhoek is stepping up efforts to regulate the movement of heavy vehicles within the capital through the implementation of a Heavy Vehicle Access and Permit System.
“The system is being introduced in response to the growing impact of heavy vehicles on the urban road network, including accelerated road deterioration, increased maintenance costs, congestion, road-safety risks, noise and emissions, as well as illegal parking and overnighting of heavy vehicles. With the Windhoek Bypass Road fully operational, transit freight now has an appropriate alternative route that avoids unnecessary travel through the city,” the City of Windhoek explained.
Under the new arrangement, the City of Windhoek explained, heavy vehicles merely passing through Windhoek without a delivery, collection or other legitimate business requirement must use the Windhoek Bypass Road. This means that heavy vehicles requiring access beyond designated routes within the city must obtain the applicable permit from the City.
The City of Windhoek explained that heavy vehicles may continue to access industrial areas via approved routes, provided they remain on the designated routes at all times and comply with all conditions.
The permit system will take effect on 1 September 2026, marking the commencement of the transition, mobilisation and implementation phase. However, from 1 October 2026, camera-based and spot-fine enforcement will commence, with traffic law enforcement cameras at strategic entry and exit points monitoring heavy vehicle movements and permit compliance, while City Police will conduct ad hoc roadside checks.
“The City urges freight operators to use the September transition period to identify vehicles with a GVM of 9 tonnes or more, determine their applicable access requirements and obtain permits where necessary,” the City of Windhoek added.
The Council reminded freight operators that a valid permit must be carried by the approved vehicle and be available for inspection whenever the vehicle is operating within a restricted area.
“The freight permit charges are non-refundable. An application fee is payable for each permit application. Once approved, the relevant monthly permit fee must be paid before a permit disc is issued. The applicable tariff depends on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM),” the City of Windhoek explained.
An application fee of N$600 is payable when applying for a permit. Vehicles with a GVM exceeding 9 tonnes but less than 15 tonnes will be charged N$120 per month, while those exceeding 15 tonnes but less than 24 tonnes will pay N$250 per month. Vehicles with a GVM exceeding 24 tonnes but less than 32 tonnes will pay N$350 per month, while those exceeding 32 tonnes will pay N$500 per month.
“The City encourages all affected operators and businesses to familiarise themselves with the designated routes, permit requirements, conditions and enforcement arrangements ahead of the commencement of enforcement. Emergency response vehicles may be exempted from the permit requirements, where applicable. Any other exemption or special authorisation must be approved by the City in writing,” the City of Windhoek added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File
