In order to ease circulation and prevent accidents during rush hours in the city of Yaounde, the Government Delegate to the Yaounde Urban Council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, has reminded road users in a communiqué signed February 9, that the circulation of heavy-duty-vehicles such as caterpillars, trailers, exceptional convoys amongst others is forbidden within the heart of the city of Yaounde and the major streets of the town from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm each day.
A Transport Economist at the Technical Department of the Yaounde City Council, Freddy Etoundi says the present order is in conformity with decision number 158/86 of the Yaounde Urban Council of 31 December 1986 prohibiting heavy-duty-vehicles from circulating within the town of Yaounde during the day. Freddy Etoundi says this is a measure taken by the government delegate to ensure the security of pedestrians, especially as heavy-duty-vehicles are usually responsible for ghastly accidents within the town. He also noted that heavy-duty-vehicles can only circulate in the periphery of Yaounde from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm.
However, the current reminder from the Yaounde City Council seems to fall on deaf ears as truck drivers still ply the town of Yaounde during the day causing heavy traffic congestions as well as accidents. The Transport Economist said those who do not respect the order will be punished. According to article 6 of the said December 1986 Order, defaulters will be sanctioned according to the laws and regulations contained therein. While noting that such defaulters will have their vehicles impounded, they will also have to pay a local tax each day their vehicle stays in the council’s garage. This tax ranges from FCFA 10,000 to FCFA 50,000 per vehicle, per day.
