** Chronicle of traffic measurements in Kinshasa: towards a found fluidity? **
On May 20, 2025, in a press release that marked a turning point in traffic management in Kinshasa, the provincial government announced the prohibition on traffic trucks and all vehicles of 8 p.m. or more between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. A decision that aims to be a remedy for the chronic engorges which affect the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but which also raises questions about its application and its consequences.
### a desire to optimize traffic
The traffic jams in Kinshasa are not only a subject of dissatisfaction for road users; They testify to an urban transport system in difficulty. With a population of approximately 12 million inhabitants, the city experiences an incessant increase in the number of vehicles, while road infrastructure is struggling to follow this growth. The new measures, established within the framework of law n ° 78-022 relating to the highway code, aim to fluidify traffic while preserving road safety.
The prohibition of traffic for trailers, in particular those carrying building materials or drinks, is an attempt to release the main arteries of the city during rush hours. Indeed, the concentration of heavy vehicles on the roads during the day has been largely identified as an aggravating factor in traffic jams. This is a first step towards better traffic management, nevertheless raises the question of its long -term efficiency.
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Despite the laudable intentions behind this initiative, the implementation of these new rules could encounter obstacles. The strict application of traffic hours will require considerable logistical means and effective coordination between the different authorities. The risks of non-compliance with the rules should not be underestimated: how to ensure that each driver becomes aware of these new restrictions and will comply with it, especially in a context where road control can face limitations in human and technical resources?
In addition, it is legitimate to question the impact that this regulation will have on the sectors concerned. Transporters and delivery companies will have to adjust their operating hours, which could result in additional costs. Tackling the issues related to the logistics chain without adequate support could create additional economic tensions in already weakened sectors.
### Impact on daily life
This decision not only affects carriers, but also daily users. The question of urban transport is not limited to the circulation of large vehicles; It involves the entire mobility ecosystem in the city. Could the restriction imposed on trucks really improve the experience of all road users, in particular private car drivers and pedestrians?
It will also be important to monitor the consequences of this measure on the availability of goods. If the trucks can only circulate for specific hours, this could cause deadlines within deliveries, thus impacting traders and, therefore, consumers.
### A temporary solution or a lasting change?
In the end, the question that arises is that of the sustainability of this intervention. Do these measures constitute a temporary solution to a structural problem, or do they open the way to a deeper and more systemic overhaul of the transport network in Kinshasa? Could provincial authorities consider alternatives, such as the development of a more integrated public transport network or improving infrastructure to allow long-term fluid circulation?
In conclusion, while the new regulations come into force, they offer an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of mobility in Kinshasa. If the fight against traffic jams is a crucial step, it is also essential to consider global solutions that cause a real change. Current initiatives, although necessary, will be more effective if they are part of a long -term vision and if they take into account the various stakeholders in the urban landscape. In this dynamic, dialogue, listening to the concerns of citizens and economic actors, as well as rigorous monitoring of results, will be determining elements for the future of traffic in Kinshasa.