Bahrain is set to accelerate the rollout of solar-powered smart parking meters across the kingdom, following mounting calls from municipal leaders to replace outdated coin-operated machines that have long frustrated shoppers.
The Works Ministry has been given until the end of the year to complete its plans for a nationwide switch, after the successful installation of the new meters at trial sites in Muharraq last October.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah welcomed the initiative, but stressed that there was no need for prolonged delays. “It doesn’t need a year to test something that is clearly successful,” Mr Tarradah said. “The Muharraq rollout proved that people are ready to use the new system.
“This is exactly like the transition we saw with fuel payments through BenefitPay – motorists adapted immediately once the option was available. The same should be done here, without hesitation.”
Mr Tarradah
Mr Tarradah highlighted that the new system not only offers drivers greater convenience but also supports national sustainability goals.
“Payments can be made instantly through a smartphone or contactless card, cutting down wasted time,” he explained. “It also reduces the cost and effort of maintaining coin-operated meters, while providing digital data on parking usage that can help optimise planning.
“By eliminating paper tickets and coins, we also contribute to waste reduction and lower our carbon footprint.”
He added that adopting smart meters aligns Bahrain with international best practices for smart cities.
“As Bahrain adopts smart parking technology, the future of urban parking will become increasingly cashless and connected, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable progress,” he said.
Mr Abdullatif
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif echoed these concerns, pointing out that motorists remain under daily pressure when dealing with old meters.
“People are fed up running back-and-forth to feed coins into machines, panicking whenever a minute lapses in fear of being fined BD25 on the spot,” he said. “A modern, seamless system will reduce unnecessary stress and make life easier for shoppers.”
Mr Abdullatif noted that the situation had even affected local commerce. “People simply avoided certain areas because they didn’t want the hassle of finding coins or risking fines,” he claimed.
“This modernisation will bring people back to these shopping districts and improve economic activity, while also restoring public confidence in parking systems.”
The solar-powered meters support multiple electronic payment methods, including smartphone apps, contactless cards and number plate recognition technology.
They eliminate the need for coins or paper tickets and automatically track parking sessions digitally.
On-street parking charges remain at 100 fils for 30 minutes, with a two-hour maximum stay between 7am and 7pm. Offenders face fines of BD50, reduced to BD25 if paid within a week.
Dr Al Dhaen
Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen praised the move as a leap forward for Bahrain’s urban mobility.
“Modern cities worldwide are adopting smart parking meters that eliminate the need for coins or printed tickets,” she said. “Digital technology ensures quick, hassle-free parking and reduces unnecessary inconveniences for motorists.”
For years, residents and business owners in Manama, Hoora, Gudaibiya, Muharraq, Isa Town and Riffa have complained that coin-operated meters discouraged shoppers and visitors, especially when they lacked the correct change.
The Works Ministry is expected to co-ordinate with the board and municipal councils to ensure a phased, but swift rollout of the smart meters before the end of the year.
Public representatives say the goal is to make Bahrain’s parking systems user-friendly, environmentally responsible and fully in line with the kingdom’s digital transformation strategy.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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