A deal has been signed to equip authorities with 500 high-quality smart cameras as a key traffic council met to review the impact of tough new penalties for violators that went into effect earlier this week.
The new cameras will enhance control, provide an integrated monitoring framework, strengthen compliance and modernise the overall traffic system.
Interior Minister and Traffic Council chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who headed the council’s meeting yesterday, highlighted the need to continue efforts to enhance safety for all road users.
He commended the decree-law amending provisions of the Traffic Law, which tightened penalties following the directives of His Majesty King Hamad, to protect lives and property and modernise the legislative framework.
Gen Shaikh Rashid highlighted that this vision is supported by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance public safety and reduce traffic accidents.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma and Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi were present.
The Interior Minister commended the positive impact of the decree-law’s implementation, reflected in strong public awareness and active engagement.
The council reviewed the implementation measures of the decree, which came into force on Friday, amending 12 articles and adding four new ones.
The General Directorate of Traffic presented a briefing on the measures taken, including the deployment of smart traffic systems to detect and track violations, intensification of field enforcement through security and civil patrols and the conduct of awareness campaigns to ensure effective application and improved compliance.
Gen Shaikh Rashid affirmed that updating and tightening legislative systems related to traffic is a continuous process, aligned with developments in road safety, to build and reinforce a culture that prioritises the preservation of lives and protection of property.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the new academic year, beginning from Wednesday, with more than 50,000 students expected to be transported by 700 buses.
The Education Ministry co-ordinated with the General Directorate of Traffic to address potential congestion and organised awareness workshops for bus drivers.
Gen Shaikh Rashid emphasised the importance of continually improving school transportation services to safeguard students and promote public safety.
The deal for the cameras was signed on the sidelines of the meeting by Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and Mumtalakat CEO and Beyon chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
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.
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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