The trial phase of an Interior Ministry project to instal 500 smart traffic cameras across the kingdom to curb unsafe driving was launched yesterday.
The General Directorate of Traffic announced that this pilot initiative is part of its broader strategy to enhance road safety.
In the first phase, cameras will be installed at selected locations to assess their performance, technical efficiency and system integration before the full rollout nationwide.
The General Directorate of Traffic ... modernising operations to improve road safety
This initiative reflects the directorate’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic control and road safety by deploying advanced technologies.
The GDN reported in November last year on the Interior Ministry’s plans to instal the cameras, which will monitor violations and link traffic lights to the traffic control room.
Smart cameras will be powered by AI to detect traffic violations
The trial run is beginning ahead of schedule for the cameras, which originally were set to be tested from December onwards.
The new AI-powered traffic surveillance cameras, supplied by Beyon Solutions, are part of a broader effort to modernise Bahrain’s infrastructure and reduce traffic violations.
Tougher penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for traffic violations came into effect in Bahrain in August to put the brakes on reckless driving.
The implementation follows a decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad, amending certain provisions of the Traffic Law issued under Law 23 of 2014, based on a proposal by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and following the approval of the Cabinet.
According to the new rules, those who jump a red light shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months and receive fines of between BD200 and BD1,000.
Those who fail to reduce speed while driving in populated areas or entering curves or intersections, especially when approaching schools, hospitals or houses of worship, face a fine of between BD50 and BD100. If it results in an accident that causes damage to public or private property, the penalty increases to imprisonment of between three months and one year, and a fine of between BD1,000 and BD3,000.
A person who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs – especially if it causes them to lose control of the vehicle or impairs their ability to drive – will be punished with imprisonment of between two months and one year, and a fine of between BD1,000 and BD2,000.
The new penalties came shortly after a Bahraini couple and one of their children were killed in a horrific road accident in Saar in May after a head-on collision involving a driver under the influence.
The implementation campaign also includes intensification of field enforcement through security and civil patrols and the conduct of awareness campaigns to ensure effective application and improved compliance.
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