- Milton Road in Goodwood has seen a rise in unauthorised car washes, prompting concerns from residents who report sidewalk takeovers and curb damage.
- Ward Councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg confirmed the City is addressing these issues and conducting investigations.
- A recent enforcement blitz led to several fines and warnings for car washes operating illegally in the area.
Milton Road in Goodwood has experienced a notable increase in commercial activity, including a rise in unauthorised car washes.
According to residents these car washes take over sidewalks which lead to residents having to walk in the street. Furthermore, “these car washes lower curbs on the sidewalks, damaging curbs to build ramps for their car wash clients”, residents say.
While Ward councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg refrained from discussing specific cases, she confirmed that the City of Cape Town is actively addressing several unauthorised businesses operating in the area.
“When complaints related to alleged unauthorised business activity are received, the City’s land use enforcement process takes effect and the matter is investigated against the guidelines of the City of Cape Town municipal planning bylaw 2015,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“Often, these complaints also involve unauthorised building work, which is examined under the National Building Regulations and Standards Act.”
The City’s investigations into such cases involve coordination with other departments, including environmental health and roads and infrastructure management, to ensure that all aspects of non-compliance are addressed.
Growing concerns
Goodwood residents have raised concerns about the increase in unauthorised business activities and the broader implications for the community.
Janse van Rensburg noted: “Regretfully, there is an increase in general lawlessness in Goodwood. It is incumbent upon all who live, work, and play in Goodwood to hold each other accountable.”
She emphasised that while the City of Cape Town supports small and medium businesses, it encourages them to operate within the framework of the law and offers guidance for those looking to start legitimate ventures.
Enforcement blitz and fines
On Saturday 2 November, the City’s Water Pollution Control and Water Inspectorate carried out an enforcement blitz in Goodwood to uphold the wastewater and industrial effluent, stormwater management, and water bylaws. The inspection targeted both formal and informal car washes in various streets, including Vasco Boulevard, Goodwood Street, Willie Faasen Street, and Milton Road, among others.
“A total of 12 car washes were inspected, resulting in three notices and two fines being issued under the stormwater management bylaw, and two fines and three notices issued under the wastewater and industrial effluent bylaw,” reported Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation.
The City of Cape Town’s bylaw relating to streets, public places and noise nuisances stipulates that no person, except an authorised official, may deposit or leave goods in a public place or obstruct pedestrian traffic. Additionally, washing or cleaning a motor vehicle in a public area is prohibited, except in designated zones or when there is no private property alternative available. This restriction does not extend to public parking areas.
Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason highlighted that area law enforcement officers will conduct spot checks to ensure compliance with these regulations.
