NEWLY installed flashing green signals will serve as an early warning system for motorists as part of plans to reduce accidents and traffic violations.
The pilot project was launched yesterday by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry as officials re-programmed the signals located at the junction on Wali Al Ahd Highway, in Wadi Al Sail near Riffa.
The new setting alerts the driver to slow down with a flashing green light for a period of three seconds, followed by amber, which will also appear for three seconds, before turning red.
The ministry’s roads planning and design director Kadhim Abdul Latif told the GDN that the system will be trialled for two months before a report is submitted to authorities regarding its potential nationwide roll-out.
“The new system is like an early warning system for motorists that gives them time to slow down, as they enter the next phase which is to stop the vehicle,” he said.
“This is a trial phase that will continue for two months following which we will submit our feedback to traffic authorities.”
Two locations have been selected for the trial project; the junction in Wadi Al Sail and the intersection of Al Fateh Highway and Shaikh Daij Avenue in Manama where the new signals will be installed today.
“We have a smart signal system in Bahrain that identifies flow of traffic approaching a signal and ensures the light is green to clear the vehicles,” explained Mr Abdul Latif.
“There are sensors that notify and control the traffic flow.
“We have seen that on main roads motorists tend to speed when approaching a signal as they are not aware about its timing, but this system will give motorists more notice that they need to slow down.
“Safety is important to us because of which this project is launched, which will not only minimise accidents but also reduce traffic fines as many motorists tend to jump red lights.”
He added that if the project was successful then they would start programming traffic signals located at all major roads and junctions, followed by those in newly urbanised areas.
“There are currently 357 traffic signals in the country and three more will be installed this year,” he said.
“In addition, there will be more signals in new towns and other areas that will be gradually programmed to the new flashing green setting.”
Mr Abdul Latif also revealed there has been a gradual drop in the number of fatal accidents in the country.
He said statistics indicated that the number of fatal accidents has reduced by 50 per cent in the last three years.
“There were 90 fatal accidents registered in 2016, 52 in 2017 and last year the number went down further,” he said.
“I am optimistic that the new flashing green signals project, with enhanced safety, will benefit motorists.”
Latest traffic statistics covering the first six months of last year showed that 23 fatal accidents were reported including deaths among eight pedestrians and three cyclists.
Traffic records until 2017 also showed that the total number of registered vehicles in the country had reached 686,622.
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