Windhoek, Sep 1 — The City of Windhoek wishes to inform freight operators, businesses and the general public that it is introducing a Heavy Vehicle Access and Permit System to regulate heavy-vehicle movement on the City’s urban road network. The permit system will take effect on 1 September 2026, while enforcement measures, including the issuing of fines for non-compliance, will commence on 1 October 2026.
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.
Under the new arrangements, heavy vehicles merely passing through Windhoek without a delivery, collection or other legitimate business requirement must use the Windhoek Bypass Road. Heavy vehicles requiring access beyond designated routes within the city must obtain the applicable permit from the City.
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.
Key Implementation Dates
1 September 2026: The permit system will go live, marking the commencement of the transition, mobilisation and implementation phase. 1 October 2026: Camera-based and spot-fine enforcement commences. Traffic law-enforcement cameras at strategic entry and exit points will monitor 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. Permit Tariffs 2026/27
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).
| PERMIT / VEHICLE CATEGORY | CHARGE BASIS | 2026/27 TOTAL |
| Permit application fee | Per Permit | N$600.00 |
| 9t <= GVM < 15t | Per month | N$120.00 |
| 15t <= GVM < 24t | Per month | N$250.00 |
| 24t <= GVM < 32t | Per month | N$350.00 |
| GVM > 32t | Per month | N$500.00 |
Note: GVM means Gross Vehicle Mass. The amounts shown above are the applicable tariffs for the 2026/27
financial year and should be read together with the relevant gazetted provisions and permit conditions.
Freight operators are further reminded 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 City encourages all affected operators and businesses to familiarize 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.
For enquiries and permit application forms, please contact Ms Mary Shiimi, Section Engineer: Transport Planning, by telephone at 061 290 2364 or +264 81 128 2414, or by email at Mary.Shiimi@windhoekcc.org.na during office hours (07:30 to 16:30).
Photo: Getty Image Bank
