I would like to bring attention to the serious problem of unregulated parking in several residential areas, especially Gudaibiya and Hoora. This issue has become a daily inconvenience and a safety concern for residents, pedestrians, and drivers.
Cars are often parked on pavements, which forces people to walk on the road. In some streets, vehicles are parked on both sides, leaving very little space for traffic to move. This creates congestion and makes it hard for emergency vehicles, delivery vans, and other cars to pass safely.
As someone who often walks in these areas, I have personally seen how dangerous this can be.
On one occasion near a small grocery shop in Hoora, three cars were parked completely on the pavement. I had no choice but to walk on the road, and a speeding car passed very close to me. This kind of situation is especially difficult for elderly people, parents with strollers, and people with disabilities.
The problem is also very noticeable in the evenings and on weekends. Visitors to restaurants, karak shops, and residential buildings often park in no-parking areas or near pedestrian crossings. I have seen schoolchildren struggling to cross the road because parked cars block the view of both drivers and pedestrians. In one case, a delivery truck was stuck for several minutes because illegal parking had reduced a two-way road into a single lane.
I understand that parking space is limited in older parts of Manama. However, many drivers also seem to believe they will not be fined, even when they block pavements and roads.
I kindly request the concerned authorities to take stronger action. More parking patrols, stricter fines, clearer road markings, and additional public parking spaces in crowded areas would help greatly.
Most importantly, pavements should be kept clear so that pedestrians can move safely and freely.
Solving this parking problem would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make these areas better for everyone.
Sanjeev Gupta
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