Councillors have called for installing speed cameras on the new Muharraq Ring Road amidst reports of reckless driving and night-time racing.
Muharraq Municipal Council technical committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud said that the road had turned into an unofficial race track for young drivers.
“The road has become a magnet for young drivers who treat it as their private race circuit at night,” he said during the council regular weekly meeting yesterday.
The Muharraq Municipal Council meeting yesterday
“This poses a serious risk to their lives and the lives of others,” he added.
“Installing speed cameras is a crucial step to deter such reckless behaviour and ensure public safety.”
While the road’s completion marks a significant achievement, Mr Al Oud stressed the need for robust measures to maintain safety and order.
“The Muharraq Ring Road is a vital asset for the country, and we must do everything possible to protect it and the people using it,” he added.
“Installing speed cameras is just the beginning.
“We must also consider stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb dangerous driving behaviour.”
Area MP Dr Hisham Al Asheeri, who was a guest at the meeting, also raised alarm over the misuse of the new infrastructure project.
Dr Al Asheeri
“The Muharraq Ring Road is an impressive engineering feat – smooth, wide and perfect for high-speed travel – but this should not be abused,” he said.
“It’s ironic that this road, designed to improve connectivity and safety, is being misused in such a dangerous way,” he added.
“Immediate action is required to prevent it from becoming a hotspot for accidents and, God forbid, fatalities.
“We owe it to the public to ensure this infrastructure is safe for everyone. Roads are meant to connect lives, not endanger them.”
With calls for immediate action, authorities are expected to review safety measures and implement solutions to address the concerns raised.
Mr Al Oud, right, voicing frustration
The proposal has been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to the Supreme Traffic Council chaired by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and vice-chaired by Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj for review.
The newly-inaugurated ring road, a pivotal element in Bahrain’s strategic infrastructure development, was officially opened earlier this month by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The project was delivered by the contractor eight months ahead of schedule. Also complementing the project is the fourth bridge, which will include a sea bridge connecting Al Sayah to Bahrain Bay, further easing traffic flow in northern Muharraq.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
Top stories for today:
Gulf women’s ability to lead praised
High-level Bahrain delegation set for Davos talks
Bahraini Identity Forum opens submissions for research papers
&uuid=(email))