To reduce road accidents: Minister urges transport agencies to comply with Highway Code.

This was during a road safety awareness campaign in Douala. The campaign was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Highway Code.

The move, the government official said, is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing traffic accidents along roads, particularly on the busy National Road No.3 between Yaounde and Douala.

The campaign began at the Akoa Maria road safety checkpoint, located about 20 kilometers from Yaounde in the Centre Region. During the operation, all vehicles were stopped for inspection. 

Noncompliant buses coming from Yaounde were forced to turn back due to issues such as the absence of seat belts and overloading. Buses were only allowed to resume their journeys once they were in full compliance with the regulations.

Minister Ngallé Bibéhe emphasised that the primary goal was the safety of passengers. He stated that: "Passengers must be transported according to the Highway Code”.

The minister’s efforts continued in Douala, where he made unannounced visits to several intercity transport companies. 

In the ten transport companies inspected, the Minister and his team examined waiting rooms, ticket counters, parking areas, and restrooms. They also checked the interiors of transport vehicles to ensure passenger comfort. 

"We noticed something quite surprising. The quality of service provided by the agencies has declined. I want to remind transport company heads of what the Head of State emphasised at the end of last year: transport company leaders must take responsibility by ensuring the quality of services and contributing ideas for improvement," Minister Ngallé Bibéhe stated.

During the inspection, some transport agencies that had installed the Ymane-Driver video surveillance system reported a significant reduction in accidents since implementing the technology.

Of the 256 inspections conducted on the route, 130 violations were recorded, including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, lack of technical inspections, and in some cases, missing driver’s licenses.

However, the Minister noted a slight improvement in compliance among road users on this route.

The inspection tour was part of a special road safety and prevention campaign launched in June, which is set to conclude on September 30.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3199 of Wednesday August 14, 2024