Motorists in Bahrain have been urged not to panic and simply drive safely and with consideration for others to avoid the pain of paying penalties for misdemeanours.
Public concern over Bahrain’s newly-activated AI-powered traffic surveillance system has been eased by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman Abdulla Al Romaihi.
He stressed that the technology was highly accurate and capable of clearly distinguishing between violations and lawful driving behaviour.
“People are worried that even touching their phone, or placing it on their lap or dashboard could be considered a violation, but that is not the case,” Mr Al Romaihi said. “The phone has to be handheld for it to be an offence.”
The first phase of the kingdom’s hi-tech smart camera system became operational yesterday, following a trial period launched by the Interior Ministry in November, during which around 500 cameras were installed across Bahrain to test performance, technical efficiency and system integration.
Mr Al Romaihi added that the AI-powered system, supplied by Beyon Solutions, was highly reliable.
“We have been in calls with the General Directorate of Traffic and the system is accurate to 99.9999 per cent. Nothing will be seen as an offence that is not,” he said.
He explained that the technology was not new or experimental. “The AI system is a merger between those implemented across the GCC and has been extensively tested,” he added.
The cameras automatically detect at least a dozen traffic violations, including speeding, using a handheld mobile phone, running red lights, failing to wear seatbelts, unsafe overtaking, improper lane usage, illegal window tinting, trucks straying from the right lane, heavy vehicles driving during peak hours and even children sitting in the front seat.
The rollout comes amid heightened concern over road safety after six traffic accident fatalities were recorded last month alone, including the tragic death of a family of three.
Authorities have urged motorists to strictly adhere to traffic laws as enforcement intensifies. Minor offences carry fines ranging from BD20 to BD100, while more serious violations – including using a handheld phone or racing – can result in prison terms of up to six months and fines of up to BD500.
Drivers who settle fines within seven days may benefit from a 50 per cent reduction.
The Interior Ministry said the smart cameras form part of a wider strategy to modernise Bahrain’s transport infrastructure, improve traffic management and ultimately save lives on the kingdom’s roads.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))