Efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Bafoussam have been boosted by the introduction of a single space parking metre system.

About one hundred of such parking metres have gone operational along the Auberge Commercial Bank stretch and will gradually be extended to other streets in Bafoussam.

The initiative was launched on March 2 by Mifi SDO, Joseph Favor Tangwa.

According to the Government Delegate to the Bafoussam City Council, Emmanuel Nzete, the system is aimed at organising Bafoussam and reducing traffic congestion.

According to an official in the company charged with the operation, Bless Ngu, it is a reliable system that is being used in developed countries like the United States, Canada and cities in Europe.

He said his company thought of introducing the system in Cameroon because “we have noticed that councils are having financial problems and we realised that, through this project, much money could be accrued for communities.

Those machines are very resistant and are made in accordance with all the international norms and security,” he said, adding that the system is easy to use.

“We can introduce one coin – an FCFA 100 coin - into the machine and be issued a one-hour receipt. We also have the opportunity to introduce FCFA 200 and receive a two-hour receipt. And the countdown begins, until the hour runs down to zero, and when it gets to zero; an operator will come and chain your car until you pay a penalty.”

In this first phase, 100 machines have been installed and in a few months, about 500 more will be installed.