The authorities have urged people to strictly adhere to the rules of the road, with the first phase of Bahrain’s hi-tech smart camera system set to be operational from today.
Coming in the wake of six traffic accident fatalities last month, the cameras automatically detect a wide variety of violations, including speeding, using a handheld mobile phone, failure to wear a seatbelt and even a child sitting in the front seat.
Speaking to the GDN, General Directorate of Traffic’s director of traffic culture Major Khalid Buqais stated that awareness initiatives were being held to educate people about the cameras and keep them safe on their journeys.
“The directorate, in co-operation with various local media organisations, will continuously implement intensive, multi-media awareness campaigns targeting all road users,” said Major Buqais.
Major Khalid Buqais
“These campaigns have recently focused on the main challenges contributing to accidents, such as speeding, using mobile phones while driving and failing to adhere to safety guidelines.
“These programmes aim to promote traffic culture and a sense of responsibility among drivers, ensuring their own safety and the safety of others.
“Whether there is an increase or decrease in traffic accidents depends on the extent to which individuals comply with traffic regulations and rules designed to protect everyone.”
Offenders can expect to pay the penalty for the driving discrepancies. Minor misdemeanours can lead to fines of between BD20 and BD100, like driving without lights or obstructing the traffic, and prison terms of up to six months, with fines up to BD500, for more serious violations such as using a hand-held phone or racing a vehicle. Prompt payment within seven days can reduce fines by half.
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.
In November, the Interior Ministry launched a trial phase, installing about 500 smart cameras across the kingdom to assess their performance, technical efficiency and system integration ahead of the full rollout today.
According to the Interior Ministry, the smart technology that the cameras utilise can pick up on at least a dozen different violations.
They include:
• Making or receiving a call on mobile phones while holding it.
• Running a red light.
• Overtaking vehicles across designated yellow lines meant for emergencies only.
• Exceeding the posted speed limit.
• Drivers and passengers not wearing the seatbelt.
• Trucks not staying in the right lane.
• Failure to stay in the correct lane at intersections and violating road markings.
• Having a child in the front seat.
• Repeated unsafe overtaking.
• Violation of permitted window tinting.
• Driving heavy vehicles during peak hours.
• Slowing down in the left lane.
Major Buqais has urged people to ensure that they follow the rules, not just to avoid violations, but also to protect themselves and the people around them.
“The directorate emphasises several key guidelines for safe driving, most importantly: strict adherence to speed limits, not running red lights and the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving as it is a significant distraction,” he said. “Furthermore, it stresses the importance of seatbelts for both drivers and passengers, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and avoiding driving while tired or drowsy.
“Compliance with traffic regulations reduces accidents and protects lives and property.”
These systems come as six traffic accident fatalities were recorded in January alone, including a family of three.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))