MPs want the brakes put on new motorcycle licences for food and parcel deliveries until tougher safety rules are introduced, warning that the sector’s rapid growth is putting road safety at risk.
Lead proposer MP Mohammed Janahi said regulating the sector had become increasingly important as delivery motorcycles multiplied, raising concerns over traffic flow and whether riders were adequately trained and equipped.
“The aim is not to stop delivery services, but to organise the sector, protect lives and ensure that companies and riders operate under clear, enforceable safety standards,” he said.
The proposal calls for restricting the issuance of new licences for delivery motorcycles until a comprehensive regulatory framework is established.
It has received unanimous backing from Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, chaired by MP Dr Hassan Bukhammas.
Dr Bukhammas highlighted a worrying increase in fatalities involving delivery motorcyclists, with four deaths recorded in 2023, rising to seven in 2024.
He also raised concerns about market saturation, inadequate rider training and insufficient safety equipment, arguing that stronger professional and traffic requirements could help reduce accidents and violations.
However, official responses indicate that responsibility for regulating the sector remains divided between government authorities.
The Interior Ministry, through its General Directorate of Traffic, said in writing that its role was to enforce traffic laws, address violations that threaten lives and property, and conduct awareness campaigns promoting safe riding.
“Under the Traffic Law, delivery motorcycles fall within the definition of public transport when used for delivering orders,” the ministry explained.
It said the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry was responsible for determining public transport activities and setting rules governing the licensing, registration and use of such vehicles.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry, meanwhile, said in writing delivery services did not currently fall within the remit of its land transport sector under existing ministerial decisions.
However, it confirmed that it was working with the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the General Directorate of Traffic to study bringing delivery services under the land transport framework. “The process includes preparing a draft ministerial decision specifically to regulate the activity,” it said.
Dr Bukhammas said restricting new licences would provide time to establish binding professional and road safety requirements while improving traffic flow and reducing dangerous practices.
Meanwhile, a proposal to install traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing near Bahrain National Museum has been rejected over fears that it could trigger rear-end collisions and worsen traffic congestion.
MP Lulwa Al Romaihi, who submitted the proposal, called for improved safety for pedestrians crossing near the bend leading to Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Bridge from Al Fateh Highway.
She said the location raised concerns over pedestrian safety, particularly for visitors to the museum and tourists unfamiliar with the busy road.
Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj said specialists had visited the site and concluded that installing traffic lights at the bend was not advisable under Bahrain’s road safety procedures and international road design standards.
“Limited visibility around the curve and insufficient space for vehicles to stop safely could force motorists to brake suddenly, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions,” he warned.
“The signals could also disrupt traffic flow and worsen congestion during peak hours.”
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee, chaired by MP Hisham Al Awadhi, unanimously recommended rejecting the proposal after reviewing the Works Ministry’s assessment.
Both proposals are set to be discussed and voted on during Tuesday’s weekly Parliament session.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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