A nationwide push to prohibit the parking of trucks and heavy vehicles in Bahrain’s residential areas is gathering momentum, with municipal leaders across the country calling for decisive action to end long-standing complaints from residents.
Trucks parked near apartment buildings in Isa Town
The latest proposal, spearheaded by Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, seeks to enforce a blanket ban on them being left close to homes, while allowing regulated passage on designated routes.
The move follows years of frustration voiced by angry motorists over inadequate parking spaces and blocked school car parks in many areas, plus pedestrians have complained about the damage caused to pavements.
Currently, trucks and heavy vehicles are subject to timing restrictions in certain areas. However, municipal representatives argue that these rules have failed to address the problem of overnight and long-term parking in highly-populated areas.
Mr Al Naar
Mr Al Naar said the proposal was designed to restore peace and order to residential communities.
“Residential areas are for families, not for storing heavy vehicles,” he said. “We constantly receive complaints from residents about their streets being turned into truck yards – cars cannot park, pavements are damaged, and safety is compromised. This must stop.”
He added that alternative parking terminals should be established on the outskirts of towns and villages, ensuring that businesses and workers still have convenient facilities without disturbing neighbourhood life.
Mr Al Naar said the next step was to develop dedicated truck and heavy vehicle parking terminals outside residential zones, ensuring companies have practical alternatives.
“This policy is not about harming businesses – it’s about protecting the community,” he added. “With proper planning, we can strike a balance that benefits everyone.”
Mr Abdullatif
The initiative has been strongly supported by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, who urged companies to take responsibility for staff transportation.
“Companies must not allow employees to park trucks or buses inside residential neighbourhoods,” Mr Abdullatif said. “Instead, they should provide transport solutions – such as designated buses or drop-off points – so workers can travel safely and residents are not inconvenienced.”
He stressed that this measure would significantly ease parking shortages, traffic congestion and disputes among neighbours.
Mr Tarradah
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah also backed the move, saying it would have a positive impact on both traffic flow and community relations.
“Barring trucks and heavy vehicles from parking in residential areas will free up vital space, smoothen traffic, and end unnecessary disputes over parking,” Mr Tarradah said.
“The existing timing restrictions on road use are not enough, because the real issue is vehicles being left overnight or long-term in neighbourhoods.”
Large vehicles parked in Isa Town
He said clear rules would make enforcement much easier for authorities.
“A full parking ban is straightforward, easy to monitor, and fair to residents who have endured this issue for too long,” he added.
Municipal councils are expected to submit the proposal to the government for consideration, with enforcement mechanisms to be discussed alongside the Interior Ministry and the Works Ministry.
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