MPs set to discuss proposal today to ban heavy trucks at Al Fateh U-turn

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament will discuss a proposal today to prevent heavy trucks from using the U-turn on Al Fateh Highway, citing road safety concerns and frequent closures caused by accidents.

The proposal, submitted by MPs Hassan Bukhumas, First Deputy Speaker Abdulnabi Salman, Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata, Mahmood Fardan, and Hanan Mohammed Ali, calls on the government to prohibit trucks from using the U-turn, arguing that its tight turning radius makes it unsuitable for large vehicles and poses a risk to other road users.

Bukhumas said the U-turn’s design is too tight for heavy trucks to turn without blocking both lanes.

Risk

“Other vehicles cannot pass while a truck is turning, putting road users at risk,” he noted.

Bukhumas added that directing trucks to the signal-controlled U-turn near the Diplomat Hotel would improve safety and prevent recurring closures for maintenance.

The Interior Ministry noted that while the issue falls under the Ministry of Works, restricting trucks from the U-turn could push congestion to other areas.

Traffic

A ministry representative said U-turns and overpasses are designed to keep traffic moving, and restrictions in one area may cause bottlenecks elsewhere.

The ministry also pointed to driver behaviour as a factor, suggesting that awareness and enforcement should be considered as part of any solution.

Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, which reviewed the proposal, has recommended its approval, with all attending members in agreement.

Concerns

The committee found the concerns raised to be valid and supported the proposed restriction.

The discussion in Parliament is expected to include arguments on whether diverting trucks could affect freight movement or cause congestion in other parts of the network.