Traffic signals in Bahrain may soon have timers

Traffic signals in Bahrain may be soon provided with timers to alert drivers and reduce traffic accidents, it was stated.

MPs will vote on a proposal to install countdown timers at traffic lights in the Kingdom.  The proposal was submitted at the beginning of the year by MP Adel Al Assoomy and was recently received by the Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, despite the Government’s rejection.

According to Al Assoomy, implementing the proposal will contribute in organising the traffic flow and alerting drivers on when to stop or drive at junctions.

“This will reduce the deadly traffic accidents that are caused by crossing red signals and would increase drivers’ awareness while driving towards traffic signals,” Al Assoomy said, explaining that if timers were installed at traffic signals, drivers wouldn’t be surprised by them turning red all of a sudden.

However, this proposal was rejected by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning more than once. The ministry affirmed that the proposal wouldn’t be compatible with the existing traffic lights system in Bahrain.

“Traffic signals in the kingdom are operated by a smart automatic system that utilizes underground sensors that actually control the time-lapse between switching traffic lights,” the ministry clarified.

The ministry also claimed that installing such timers would divert drivers’ attention from the signals to the timers, which could lead to deadly traffic accidents.  The ministry added that the countdown timers’ system would reduce the efficiency of roads and worsen traffic congestions.

Meanwhile, Al Assoomy said, “Along with the implementation of the new traffic law, which introduced tougher penalties for traffic violations, a certain fear of being fined and caught by the cameras installed at traffic signals have grown among drivers.”

The MP also suggested testing the efficiency of installing countdown timers on one of the main roads in the Kingdom.

The committee approved the proposal, which awaits MPs voting during the next Parliament session on Tuesday.