Sorry lorry, just stay away

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Keep heavy trucks off public roads for an extra hour by extending restrictions by half an hour in the morning and afternoon, MPs demand.

Currently, lorries are barred from the roads from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and again from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Lawmakers say this is insufficient as the daily surge of heavy lorries chokes public roads during rush-hour traffic.

They propose extending the morning restriction from 6 : 3 0 am to 8:30 am and shifting the afternoon ban from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

The plan is put forward by MP Lulwa Al Romaihi and supported by Dr Muneer Seroor and Bader Al Tamimi.

MPs claim the changes are necessary to provide relief to drivers and reduce accidents.

They argue that roads are overstretched during peak hours, struggling to accommodate both lorries and private cars.

"Given the limited capacity of the roads, it is unreasonable to expect them to handle so many vehicles simultaneously," the memorandum states.

Ministry differs

The Ministry of Interior, which was consulted for its opinion, disagreed. It argued that the current 6:30 am to 8:00 am restriction was effective and warned that additional limitations could hamper deliveries and disrupt trade.

Despite this, the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security, which reviewed the proposal, recommended its approval. All members present supported the extension.

Al Romaihi, Seroor, and Al Tamimi believe the move will ease congestion and improve daily commutes. They contend that adjusting the hours will prevent the long tailbacks currently seen on major roads during rush-hour traffic.