A proposal has been presented to regulate – and temporary suspend – the issue of motorcycle licences for delivery purposes, in response to growing concerns over traffic safety and market saturation.
The move, by five MPs led by Mohammed Hussain Janahi, seeks to halt the uncontrolled expansion of delivery motorcycles on Bahrain’s roads while a comprehensive regulatory framework is developed.
Mr Janahi, who presented the proposal yesterday, emphasised that the motion aims to ‘protect public safety, ensure better regulation of the sector, and create a more orderly traffic environment’.
“We agree that the delivery sector plays a crucial role in supporting consumers and the economy. However, the current situation poses serious risks to both riders and the general public.
“That is why regulation is urgently needed.”
Initially, the motion called for a complete halt to issue new licenses for delivery motorcycle riders.
Mr Janahi
However, following legal consultations and discussions on the potential economic impact of such a measure, the language of the proposal was amended to advocate for regulation rather than a permanent stop.
“The goal now is to temporarily pause new licences until a clear and enforceable framework is in place,” said Mr Janahi.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal highlights alarming statistics.
Traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles resulted in four deaths in 2023 – two of them delivery riders – and seven fatalities last year, including both perpetrators and victims.
Legislators argue that such figures underscore the urgent need for regulation.
The MPs also pointed to a ‘high degree of market saturation’, with untrained individuals and under-equipped companies entering the sector rapidly, often with little regard for traffic laws or safety protocols.
The proposal seeks to temporarily suspend the issuance of new licences for delivery motorcycles until professional and traffic requirements are clearly defined; establish a binding regulatory framework for delivery services, including safety training and equipment standards; reduce traffic violations and road accidents through better oversight; and maintain smooth traffic flow and curb unsafe riding behaviours in congested areas.
The motion is expected to be scheduled as early as today for further review and deliberation.
There has been an exponential growth in home deliveries in the past couple of years, with shops and supermarkets joining restaurants and cafés in delivering anything from food to groceries, clothes, books, toys and even flowers.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))