The provincial government of Kinshasa is embarking on a landmark reform of urban traffic in a bid to ease chronic congestion on the capital’s roads.
Starting Monday, May 19, 2025, new mobility restrictions will come into effect for trucks and private vehicles.
These changes, initially leaked on social media, were confirmed as authentic by the Governor’s office.
“The Governor’s Office confirms the authenticity of the traffic regulation document currently circulating online.
It is a draft communiqué based on a meeting chaired by the Governor on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The goal was to identify short-term solutions to the severe traffic jams affecting the city’s productivity.
Unfortunately, the working document was shared prematurely. The final version will be officially published on Monday, May 19, 2025,” said Israël Mutala, Chief of Staff to the Governor.
Key Measures
Nighttime restriction for heavy vehicles: All tractor-trailers, cement mixers, and vehicles over 20 tonnes transporting heavy materials (such as cement, rebar, timber, or logs) will be restricted to operating between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
License plate-based driving restrictions:
Odd-numbered plates (last digit): Allowed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Even-numbered plates (last digit): Allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Sunday: All private vehicles are exempt
Exemptions: The rule does not apply to diplomatic and official vehicles, public transportation, ambulances, school buses, or funeral vehicles.
The move has been welcomed by some experts who view it as a sign of political will to reduce congestion and streamline urban mobility.
Similar systems have been implemented in major cities such as Mexico City, Manila, and Lagos, aiming to ease traffic, cut emissions during the day, and improve commuting efficiency.
However, critics, including urban economists and logistics experts, warn of potential disruptions. Concerns include impacts on supply chains, increased demand during nighttime hours, and the added costs for transport companies needing to restructure their operations.
Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend heavily on fair and consistent enforcement, clear communication of the rules, and efforts to prevent corruption during implementation.
