Deputy King His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has emphasised the importance of continuously monitoring and developing regulations to improve traffic flow and ensure a safer environment for all road users.
He was briefed on the implementation of the decree-law amending penalties related to traffic violations during a meeting with Interior Minister and Traffic Council chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa at Riffa Palace yesterday.
The Deputy King affirmed that the legislative updates aim to strengthen compliance with traffic law and safeguard lives and property.
Gen Shaikh Rashid expressed his gratitude for the Deputy King’s directives.
He noted that the strengthened penalties for violations and serious accidents represent a significant advancement in the kingdom’s traffic legislation.
The changes are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and reducing traffic-related incidents, he said.
Gen Shaikh Rashid also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to effectively implementing the decree-law.
Prime Minister’s Court Minister Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with several senior officials, attended the meeting.
The implementation follows a decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad last week, amending certain provisions of the Traffic Law issued under Law 23 of 2014, based on a proposal by HRH Prince Salman, and following the approval of the Cabinet.
The Cabinet had said in June that the penalties would be increased for severe traffic violations leading to injury or loss of life, as well as for reckless driving.
The new penalties came shortly after Bahraini parents and one of their children were killed in an horrific road accident in Saar on May 30 after a head-on collision involving a driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Ahmed Al Orrayedh, 40, and his wife Fatema Al Qaidoom, 36, died in hospital as a result of the critical injuries they suffered. Their seven-year-old son, Abdulaziz, succumbed to his injuries two weeks later, on June 13.
The 29-year-old Bahraini driver of the other car involved in the crash was sentenced to nine years in prison following two separate trials – one on charges of manslaughter, reckless driving, property damage and speeding, and the other for recreational drug use.
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