Speed limit reduced in Shaikh Salman Highway in Bahrain

Manama : The speed limit on one of the country's main highways was recently reduced, less than six months after it was increased by the authorities.

It was noticed today (Saturday) that the speed limit on Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway  was reduced to 100 kmh without any previous announcements made by the General Directorate of Traffic or Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, the two authorities responsible of setting speed limits on the Kingdom's roads.

Signs showing that the speed on the highway is now 100 kmh were installed in the past 24 hours in the part that begins at the exit to Shaikh Salman Highway (Isa Town and Sehla Flyover), en-route to Mina Salman. This part of the highway witnesses heavy traffic jams during rush hours and on weekends. A traffic monitoring camera is installed on the same lane opposite to Adhari Park.

The maximum speed of the road was increased last June from 100 kmh to 120 kmh. The speed limit of 28 highways and roads were also changed as per the directives of the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to readjust the speed limits on the main highways. The premier's instructions followed a public outcry back then over the increasing rate and frequency of traffic fines.

Legal Affairs Acting Head at the General Directorate of Traffic Captain Khalid Bugais asserted in a previous statement that "speed limits are set to protect motorists" and that "drivers should stick to the speed limit signs on roads to avoid violating the rules”.

Crossing the speed limits in accordance with article 50 of the Traffic Law is divided to two categories. In case of exceeding the speed limit within 30pc then the fine is BD50 and if it is paid within a week, the amount is reduced to BD25. If the speed limit is crossed by more than 30pc, the fine increases to BD100 and could be slashed to half the amount if it is paid within a week.