Legislators are seeking to extend the timing restrictions for trucks and heavy vehicles on main roads in Sitra and Askar, alongside surrounding areas, during peak hours to ease traffic congestion.
Two proposals in this regard will be debated by MPs during the Parliament session on Tuesday.
The first initiative, led by five MPs and spearheaded by Parliament’s services committee chairwoman Jalila Al Sayed, seeks to alleviate traffic congestion in the Sitra area, which often experiences severe bottlenecks during rush hours.
The second by MP Lulwa Al Romaihi aims to address congestion on King Hamad Highway, stretching from Askar to Durrat Al Bahrain.
“The movement of heavy vehicles during peak hours causes significant delays and inconvenience to daily commuters,” Ms Al Sayed, whose Capital Governorate constituency eight covers Nabih Saleh and the eastern part of Sitra, said. “We aim to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce the burden on these critical roads.
“This proposal is not about limiting economic activity, but about creating a balance that allows for smoother traffic while addressing the needs of all.”
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who also serves as the Supreme Traffic Council Chairman, confirmed that steps have already been taken to address the issue.
Peak hour restrictions for trucks and heavy vehicles were recently updated, with the ban now stretching from 6.30am to 8am and from 2pm to 3pm on vital arteries across the country.
“The trucks clamp is already applicable, during peak hours, on Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway, which falls within the areas targeted by the Sitra proposal,” said the minister. “Traffic police are closely monitoring highways, roads, and arteries, including this area, throughout the day to catch violators and take appropriate action.”
The minister stressed that further adjustments might be made based on assessments.
“The government will evaluate the Sitra proposal and take additional steps, if necessary, with plans to add King Hamad Highway to the timing ban list from the second proposal,” he added.
Shaikh Rashid reassured citizens and residents that public transport and emergency vehicles were exempted from the timing ban to ensure essential services remain unaffected.
“The recent changes to the peak-hour restrictions have already extended the ban timings to reduce congestion,” he said.
“If more action is required to enhance traffic flow, it will be implemented.”
Local residents and commuters have welcomed the initiative, highlighting the challenges they face everyday due to heavy vehicle traffic.
“This is a much-needed measure,” said MP Mohsin Al Asbool, whose Capital Governorate constituency nine covers the western part of Sitra, Eker, and Ma’ameer.
“Every morning and afternoon, we deal with long delays because of large trucks clogging the main roads. Extending the ban hours would be a step in the right direction,” added the MP, whose signature is also on the proposal.
“The proposal is part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and traffic management across Bahrain, as we work with government officials to address growing concerns.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))