Are drivers in Bahrain at the mercy of illegal car washers to park their vehicles in open spaces?

TDT | Manama                                                   

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Drivers are allegedly being harassed by illegal car washers in Bahrain who claim that they "own" open parking spaces and shall only allow clients who use their services to use them. People have now taken to social media to voice their concerns and raise awareness of this growing issue.

Joel, a frustrated resident, shares his experience: “Every morning on my way to work at 6:30 am, I encounter a person who insists that I can’t park my car on the open ground. This has become a daily inconvenience for me, and I am left questioning the legitimacy of this restriction.”

Residents believe car washers, who make income from cars that park on these open grounds, are faking authority on who can and cannot park here. However, some drivers have realised that these parking spaces are public property and that no official signage prohibiting parking has been installed.

Khalid shared his personal experience online, stating, “A few weeks ago, I parked in an open ground in front of my office as I do every day. Out of nowhere, one of these car washers approached me and asked if I wanted him to wash my car.

I declined his offer, but he informed me that I was not allowed to park there and that I would face consequences if I did not move my car. Concerned about potential damage to my vehicle, I reluctantly relocated it,” he added.

Assertive behaviour

While some residents have attributed these encounters to expats, suggesting that they may exhibit more assertive behaviour, Abood offered an alternative perspective. He explained that many of these car washers are low-income earners whose primary goal is survival.

They often approach drivers to offer their services and, in some cases, provide advice about parking restrictions to prevent fines or potential risks in certain areas like Juffair and Gudaibiya, where roadside parking can be problematic. The Daily Tribune attempted to engage with the car washers situated near parking lots, but they remained unresponsive and said, “Please, we are poor, and we don’t want to go back to our country.”

As concerns continue to mount, residents hope that local authorities will address the issue promptly by clarifying the parking regulations on open grounds and taking appropriate measures to ensure that parking spaces are accessible to all without unnecessary restrictions.