Western Cape government encourages heavy vehicles to obey Bain’s Kloof Pass height restrictions

The Western Cape Mobility Department has urged heavy motor vehicle (HMV) drivers to comply with the 3.68-metre height restriction on Bain’s Kloof Pass after a string of recent incidents involving trucks getting stuck on the mountain route.

Bain’s Kloof Pass links Wellington and Ceres.

According to the department, seven heavy vehicles have been reportedly stuck on the pass over the past two months, causing lengthy traffic delays and posing safety risks to other motorists.

The department's spokesperson, Muneera Allie, said removing a stuck vehicle from the pass is a challenging process that can take an average of five hours to complete, depending on the severity of the incident. She said limited cellphone signals in parts of the area also hinder emergency communication and response efforts.

“We urge all heavy motor vehicle operators and drivers to respect the height restriction on Bain’s Kloof Pass. Ignoring these rules not only endangers your own safety but also that of other road users. It leads to unnecessary delays, costly recoveries, and major traffic disruptions,” said Maxine Bezuidenhout, the chief director for traffic management.

Despite clear signage warning of the height limit, the department said some truck drivers continue to disregard the restriction. 

The department is calling on freight and logistics operators to plan their routes carefully and avoid Bain’s Kloof Pass if their vehicles exceed the height limit. Suitable alternative routes include the R44 Wellington/ Hermon Road or the Huguenot Tunnel (N1).

Ms Bezuidenhout added that “traffic law enforcement teams will continue monitoring the route and will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance.”