PM issues directive on speed limit on roads

Manama : Speed limits on Bahrain roads will be readjusted as per the instructions of the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday.

The Premier’s instructions came while he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday, in the presence of the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

 “The Prime Minister gave directives to reconsider the speed limits applied on the main roads and highways, and modify them to ensure they are commensurate with the traffic movement, and that they meet the requirements of safety to reduce traffic violations and at the same time to ensure the application of the law on violators,” Cabinet Secretary General Dr. Yasser Al Nasser said in a statement after the session.

Dr. Al Nasser revealed that the Premier also gave directives to intensify awareness-raising traffic campaigns to ensure commitment to rules, noting that the ultimate goal is to avoid wrong traffic habits and not to impose fines and contraventions.

“The Ministerial Committee for Urbanisation and Infrastructure was requested to cooperate with the Supreme Traffic Council in this regard,” Dr. Al Nasser added.

The Premier’s directives were hailed by a wide segment of the society yesterday, as they come in response to nationwide annoyance and displease of the sudden increase in traffic fines, with some considering them as a new method of taxation.

One of the many points raised by citizens and residents was the sudden change of speed limits on roads, creating a confusion among drivers and cost them big amounts in over-speeding fines.