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DELIVERY riders could be banned from a number of roads and only allowed to offer their services for a limited time period each day under new rules proposed to reduce the number of accidents in the country.
Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board have called for radical action to protect lives after repeated pleas from citizens demanding an end to the mayhem caused by reckless bikers.
The action call follows soaring demand for home deliveries from restaurants and cafes, with shops and supermarkets now joining the fray by dispatching groceries, clothes, books, toys and even flowers.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji called for signboards to be erected on ‘inner roads’ banning entry for delivery bikers. The councils would identify the no-entry zones after discussions with residents and relevant authorities.
“A timeframe could also be imposed for deliveries, for example from 7am until midnight, with the timings extended during Ramadan,” Mr Al Kooheji said.
The GDN reported in May 2019 that a proposal to ban delivery motorbikes from Bahrain’s major highways had been approved by the Northern Municipal Council. The General Directorate of Traffic, however, replied at the time that it was more a case of improper conduct of some riders being addressed, rather than introducing an arbitrary ban on highways.
The time-saving tricks motorcyclists use to get their hot plates to their destinations have long been a bane of the authorities with enraged legislators and councillors demanding tougher penalties, including jail time, to deter them.
Municipalities in July last year had resorted to installing concrete pillars and posts on pavements in a bid to prevent food delivery riders from taking shortcuts across pedestrian walkways.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi, however, said pillars had not been installed across the country and that reckless drivers were still speeding out of turns in residential areas and driving on pavements to pass slow-moving traffic.
He claimed he had been told by bikers that they are forced to break traffic laws because of the pressure they receive at the hands of restaurant owners and customers.
“People want their food and drinks in the fastest possible time,” Mr Al Tamimi said.
“Bikers say restaurant owners demand a speedy service as they don’t want to be penalised by having to give the meal or coffee for free for being late with a delivery.
“They are not only risking their own lives, but also putting others in danger,” he added.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati said clear rules for the delivery sector were necessary as demand for the service has grown.
“No one wants to harm or damage the delivery business,” he said. “We have laws to deal with traffic, health and municipal violations associated with the sector; we need new rules that govern their activities, including restrictions on routes and timings.”
Traffic authorities have installed speed cameras on major highways and increased fines for violators. In January last year, the General Directorate of Traffic revealed that 3,885 violations were issued to delivery service riders and 364 motorcycles were impounded. Violations included crossing red signals, exceeding speed limits, driving on pavements, overtaking and using mobile phones while riding.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s services committee is reviewing plans to regulate the booming home delivery sector that currently employs 12,000 people in Bahrain. It is set for debate by the newly-elected Parliament later this year. Experts say the industry segment has expanded from a workforce of 1,300 before the Covid-19 pandemic’s precautionary measures changed the public’s shopping habits.
The legislative move is being spearheaded by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber board member Ahmed Al Salloom.
The draft bill focuses on delivery procedures, regulations, contractual obligations, consumer protection, compensation and punishments for companies that do not adhere to the regulations.
“If the home delivery sector was seeing growth in food deliveries before the outbreak of Covid-19, closure of shops and services during the pandemic has seen it branch out into groceries, clothing, toys and kitchen utensils and more.
“Easy tap-to-order smartphone apps have also made this service the first choice for many families and it’s likely to grow further as people appreciate its convenience, no car parking issues or waiting in queues.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah backed plans to regulate the sector.
“I don’t care if someone gets his or her food delivered cold, I care about lives,” he said.
“The delivery sector is witnessing a boom, but things have to be done in a safe and systematic way.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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