Applications to use a public road for sport and filming purposes

You can apply to use a public road for sport and filming purposes. The permit application depends on whether a road is a municipal or a provincial road. You can contact the City of Cape Town for municipal roads. For provincial roads, contact the Western Cape Mobility Department.

Municipal Roads 

The Municipality handles applications to film and for sports events on municipal streets, roads, sidewalks and road verges.

The production company or applicant must maintain normal pedestrian and vehicle access at all times, except when filming takes place. If the permit specifies dedicated use of a specific area, this requirement doesn't apply. If a road is to be closed, an alternate route must be available.

For more information contact:

City of Cape Town Events Office Tel: 021 417 4035 Email: events.permit@capetown.gov.za

Provincial Roads

Applications to use a provincial road for filming/sports purposes need to be made to the Western Cape Mobility Department's Transport Administration and Licenses office for principle approval. You must quote for a job and confirm at least 2 weeks before filming. The application for filming needs to contain the following information:

• The roads that you would like to use and the exact locations on those roads.
• The times and dates of filming.
• The scenario or script of the intended film.
• What the set will include.
• The number of crew and vehicles involved.
• Any deviations from the National Road Traffic Act, 93 of 1996 (for example, exceeding the speed limit, using a left-hand drive vehicle or driving on the wrong side of the road).
• Confirmation if a helicopter will be used or not during the filming.

The application will be referred to the relevant provincial traffic section. They'll provide traffic assistance at a cost determined according to their fee structure. The closure of provincial roads can't interfere with traffic for over 10 minutes. You're requested to apply for provisional approval when you quote for a film or photo shoot contract.

You can get the prescribed form for sports and/or other activities on public roads from the Mobility Department.