Infrastructure development projects, road network expansion and the use of smart cameras are helping reduce traffic violations and accidents in Bahrain, an official has said.
Major General Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa, director general of the General Directorate of Traffic, said the first phase of the smart camera project had been completed as part of efforts to strengthen the traffic system, improve compliance with regulations and enhance road safety through the use of modern technology.
He noted that performance indicators showed a noticeable decline in traffic violations and road accidents.
The cameras not only detect violations but also link traffic lights directly to the central traffic control room, enabling faster monitoring and response.
Major General Shaikh Abdulrahman also praised the growing level of traffic awareness among motorists and their commitment to rules, saying this reflected a stronger culture of safe driving and greater protection for road users.
He stressed that the directorate would continue implementing plans to develop the traffic system and make greater use of advanced technologies, reaffirming that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.
Community partnership, he added, remains essential to achieving a safe and sustainable traffic environment.
The GDN previously reported that Bahrain’s intelligent traffic surveillance project includes the installation of 500 smart traffic cameras across three phases, with 300 cameras deployed in the first phase and 100 cameras each in the second and third phases.
Earlier, Major General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security at the Interior Ministry, said the AI-powered system was also being used to analyse traffic flow, identify congestion hotspots and assess road capacity, supporting future road expansion and infrastructure planning.
The initiatives follow sweeping amendments to Bahrain’s Traffic Law under Law 23 of 2014, introduced by decree from His Majesty King Hamad.
Since August last year, tougher penalties have been in force.
Jumping a red light can result in up to six months’ imprisonment and fines ranging from BD200 to BD1,000.
Failing to slow near populated areas, schools or intersections can attract fines of up to BD100, rising to imprisonment and fines of up to BD3,000 if damage occurs.
Driving under the influence can lead to imprisonment ranging from two months to one year, along with fines of up to BD2,000.
The stricter regime followed a fatal crash in Saar last year in which a couple and their child died after a head-on collision involving a drunk driver.
Authorities have since intensified patrols and awareness campaigns alongside the rollout of the new technology.
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