CAR parking spaces could be reserved for people suffering from disabilities or chronic diseases in residential areas.
The proposal, which has been unanimously approved by the Capital Trustees Board, has been referred for review to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
The move is currently aimed at the Capital Governorate, however, the responsible minister has the power to implement it nationwide.
The proposal is the brainchild of the board’s administrative co-ordinator Mahdi Hayat who presented it to the services and public utilities committee for review.
Under targeted goals presented by Mr Hayat, it is believed the move would help sufferers, caretakers and family members to reach car parking spaces near homes.
The committee has adjusted drafted conditions associated with the proposal to make it easier to implement.
“To be eligible for a reserved car parking space in residential areas, an individual would have to produce a report from the Health Ministry’s medical commission specifying whether he or she has a permanent disability or is suffering from a chronic disease,” said committee chairwoman Huda Sultan.
“The request could be made directly by the sufferer or through caretakers or relatives, on the condition that a private car is being used for daily life needs,” she added.
“A sticker has to be obtained from the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Traffic and affixed on the car used by or for the sufferer before the space is reserved.
“No poles could be fixed for shared space with neighbours unless there is written approval that the neighbours don’t mind.”
Ms Sultan said the proposal would provide sufferers with much-needed help knowing that they have to cover long distances especially in crowded residential areas.
“We have to look at ways to resolve problems associated with people with disabilities or those with chronic diseases and the illnesses,” she said.
“The reserved parking space has to be close to the residence, home or apartment, of people in pain, taking into account that in crowded residential areas the space could be far away due to narrow alleys and roads.
“Helping people in need reflects a healthy society and that should be always considered when drawing up rules and regulations.”
The GDN reported in 2021 that two members from each Bahraini family will be exempted for paying parking meter fees.
In 2020, as part of a pilot project special stickers were distributed among families in Hoora and Gudaibiya exempting one member from paying the fees.
The meters have been installed to keep a check on improper occupation of car park spaces on commercial roads in residential neighbourhoods.
Motorists face a BD50 fine for improper parking or pay and display violations; the fines are halved if a settlement is reached within seven days of the registered offence.
On-street parking is charged at 100 fils per 30 minutes, from 7am until 7pm, with a maximum two-hour stay allowed.
The meters cover 2,400 car parking areas located on nine commercial roads across the country, with each solar-powered device covering 15 car parking spaces at a time.
The hi-tech machines, which are computer-programmable, have been designed for payment by coins.
Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj told the board in writing that the proposal for electronic payments has been approved in concept.
“The matter is now under joint consideration with the General Directorate of Traffic and it will be immediately implemented whenever other permits from responsible authorities are granted,” said Mr Al Hawaj.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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