Traffic safety a top priority

TDT | Manama

Reinforcing traffic safety for all road users is a top priority, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said yesterday. The Interior Minister asserted the importance of continuing efforts to ensure road safety as he chaired the Traffic Council meeting, held remotely.

Education Minister Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi and Transportation and Communication Minister Kamal bin Ahmed attended, along with the Interior Ministry undersecretary, the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Development undersecretary, and representatives of various ministries.

The Education Minister expressed thanks for the role of the General Directorate of Traffic and Community Police in achieving security and safety, especially in getting ready for the new academic year. Several other topics were discussed, including the comprehensive model of transportation and the use of lands presented by the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

A brief highlighted that the model is linked with the uses of lands, residential details, and roads networks to take strategic decisions. The model includes safe transportation policies that will be the base for traffic flow expectations until 2055. The model meets the economic visions and adopts balanced and flexible transportation policies that limit traffic congestion.

The Interior Minister hailed the initiative, directing to consider the international standard in planning and implementation of the project through joint work and a team spirit. He highlighted the importance of the project to have an impact on society by limiting traffic congestion.

He also urged to determine other projects that meet and assist in its success, mainly because the current traffic situation influences general safety and economic life. The council was then briefed on the development and expansion project of Al Fateh Highway to increase the daily capacity of the road to 138,000 vehicles. The project includes four lanes on each side.

In this context, the Interior Minister asserted the essentiality to protect traffic safety in all projects. The council also discussed the installation of safety barriers on Zallaq road, in which the Interior Minister directed to increase traffic deployments and CCTV cameras. He also urged for the use of barriers for roads and bridges that meet international standards to protect lives and property and prevent accidents.

At the end of the meeting, the Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the council’s members for their ongoing follow-up and efforts to meet traffic safety requirements, while highlighting the importance of fieldwork and preparedness to ensure smooth traffic flow.