MPs seek to extend ban

MPs are insisting on banning heavy vehicles from being driven on roads for longer periods during rush hours, despite warnings that such a decision would have negative commercial and economic impacts.

On February 23, 2015, MPs Ali Al Aradi, Majid Al Majid, Isa Al Kooheji, Abbas Al Madhi and Abdulhaleem Murad presented a proposal to the Council of Representatives’ Speaker Ahmed Al Mulla, demanding to impose a ban on heavy vehicles and water tankers during rush hours to reduce traffic and dangers of accidents.

Heavy vehicles are not allowed to be driven on the country’s main roads during rush hours, between 6.30am and 7.30am, and again in the afternoon between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, as per the latest directives of the General Directorate of Traffic.

However, the MPs are pushing to amend both periods, making it between 6am and 9am in the morning, and 1pm and 3pm in the afternoon.

While intensively discussing the proposal, the council’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee reviewed the concerned authority’s recommendations.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) expressed its objection to the committee saying, “Banning heavy vehicles from being driven on main roads and entering towns and villages during these periods would harm the interests of many heavy transportation companies in the country.”

“It will cost the country huge financial losses and have a negative impact on the commercial and economic development processes in the Kingdom. The chamber recommends rejecting this proposal and maintaining the current ban timings,” BCCI said in its reply to the committee.

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Ministry had no objections “as long as applying the proposal would not harm the delivery of goods and won’t harm the economy.”

The committee refer the proposal to the council for voting during the weekly Parliament meet on Tuesday. The recommendations of the General Directorate of Traffic and Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry would also be revealed in the session.