Reduced Speed Limit Announced for Betty’s Bay R44

On 2 June 2025, Western Cape Ministers of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, and Mobility, Isaac Sileku, announced the reduction of the speed limit on a section of the R44 through Betty’s Bay in the Overstrand Municipality.

Last year, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure received a request to decrease the speed limit on the commercial section of the roadway known as “The Hub” and the entrance to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens to 60km/h and to improve safety, after which an investigation was launched to assess the matter.

At a meeting with local councillors and stakeholders today, Minister Simmers said, “The investigation by my department has shown that a decrease of the speed limit on this section of the road is viable, and I am pleased that my department and the Department of Mobility can work together to respond to the concerns of our communities. The new speed limit sign boards will be installed in due course.”

It is important to note that the posted speed limit is not a target or endorsed safe speed, but rather the maximum legal speed and, as on all roads, it remains the responsibility of motorists to keep to the legal limit.

Minister Sileku added, “The safety of all road users is a priority for the Western Cape Government. By reducing the speed limit through this busy section, we are not only protecting lives but also supporting safer access for both residents and tourists. This is a perfect example of how Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility work hand.”

Minister Simmers concluded, “Smaller towns in the Western Cape continue to expand, and our road networks need to accommodate growing populations. Tourism also plays an important role in these local economies and contributes to job creation, and as the sector continues to grow, it is important to ensure that roads in the Western Cape are safe, accessible and enable a growing economy that creates job opportunities for all.”