EFFORTS are underway to find urgent solutions to traffic problems faced in a densely-congested automobile services area in Muharraq, following repeated complaints from people.
The area, in Arad, is home to vehicle showrooms, garages and service and maintenance services besides scrapyards.
The General Directorate of Traffic, the Works Ministry, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and the vehicle inspection centre have been assigned to survey the area and present solutions to reduce traffic congestion at not just the Arad Service Zone but also in the surrounding areas.
Interior Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa said one of the suggestions put forward was adding a new entry and exit point and building pavements at specific junctions to prevent improper takeover and parking.
In a written response presented to the Muharraq Municipal Council, senior officials from the Interior Ministry explained the situation and the efforts being made to streamline traffic across the country.
“Now, people need to take prior appointments to avail of services at the private annual vehicle inspection centre, to ensure that there is no crowding,” said Shaikh Nasser.
“We are also looking to introduce pre-registration and online payment to save time,” he added.
“The General Directorate of Traffic is also set to launch a video showing the need to switch off engines when visiting the inspection centre, as the process takes time.
“Other plans include prohibiting parking outside the inspection centre and installing a left-turn sign at one of the one-way junctions on Road 4238.”
Shaikh Nasser also pointed out that the police would co-ordinate with municipal inspectors to check on repair workshops and scrapyards to ensure that they are not taking on more than what their space can handle.
“The police alongside municipal inspectors will take action against any car parked on the road and not inside a vehicle workshop,” he said.
“We are also studying how to allocate space for vehicles intended for repair that workshops have no space for, to ensure they are not dropped off on the road choking the exit and entry point.
“A comprehensive traffic and security plan is in the process for the Arad Services Zone. It includes having security and surveillance cameras, proper paved roads and beefing up police inspections in the zone.”
Meanwhile, General Directorate of Traffic traffic security chief Major Osama Bahar said traffic solutions will help reduce congestion significantly, but not completely resolve problems being witnessed on a daily basis.
“We understand the nature of public complaints and are giving the matter utmost attention, considering that we want people to visit private vehicle inspection centres and not come to our headquarters in Isa Town,” he said.
“But, when someone sees huge tailbacks of vehicles in Arad, they decide to turn back and head immediately to Isa Town.
“Clearing up the mess is a priority to us for multiple reasons as more organisation ensures easier in and out access not just in the zone, but the whole surrounding areas.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))