Several vehicles seized for violating traffic safety rule

The General Traffic Department has announced the seizure of a number of vehicles after their drivers committed practices that violate traffic safety. The violations include car drifting, causing noise pollution by honking as well as creating loud exhaust sounds. Many drivers who performed stunts on roads were also arrested by the department, it is learnt.

Actions were taken after receiving complaints from several families and individuals living in different neighbourhoods across the country. The department has appreciated the complainants for taking the right step by complaining about traffic violations. Hundreds of motorists have been fined for illegally driving on the emergency lane, the Ministry of Interior recently revealed.  

“The offence was driving through the emergency lane on all roads, mostly Shaikh Jaber Al Sabah Highway, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman highway, Sitra Bridge and Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Bridge during the rush hours in the morning and evening,” the Ministry of Interior stated. 

The ministry urged citizens and residents to be careful on the road and avoid such practices. “The General Directorate considers such violation as an uncivilised practise that could cause traffic accidents and jams. “It could also hinder the movement of ambulance and rescue vehicles.” 

It asserted the continuation to monitor and take actions against all types of violations. Regarding other violations, the director-general of traffic, Brigadier Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa confirmed the suspensions of driving licences of 56 truck drivers for violating various traffic rules.

They will be banned from driving any vehicle for 30 days, their licences were withdrawn for periods ranging from a month to six months in case of repeating the offences.  The General Directorate of Traffic launched a campaign to monitor illegal driving practices by truck drivers, such as not sticking to the right lanes and overtaking in a way that risk the safety of others. The campaign also includes carrying technical inspection of trucks on various roads.

He said that some drivers continue to violate traffic rules without considering the threats of such behaviour on their lives and the safety of others.  He noted that illegal traffic practices cause accidents and hinder traffic. On the other hand, the Traffic Directorate recently honoured drivers having perfect records with gifts as part of its “Thank You” initiative. The initiative organised in collaboration with the private sector is part of the steps implemented to mark the 100th anniversary of Bahrain Police.

Gifts distributed to drivers include fuelling cards, free car insurance registration, vouchers, electronic gadgets as a token of appreciation. “The department allocates 100 fuelling card ‘Sadeem’ provided by Bahrain Petroleum Company ‘Bapco’, and 100 free registration for vehicles by the Bahrain National Insurance, along with 100 ‘Thank You’ letters to be sent to the ideal drivers in co-operation with LuLu Hypermarket and many other prizes,” the directorate said.

“Thank You initiative is part of the awareness campaigns of the directorate to enhance road safety,” it added.