‘Pink’ parking debate

TDT | Manama

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Plan to reserve 20% of spaces for women referred back for further study

A plan to reserve ‘pink’ parking for women, setting aside 20 per cent of spaces and marking them with pink signs, drew a lengthy exchange before the Capital Trustees Board sent it back for more study.

In the same sitting, members approved market by-law changes, backed quiet hours for building work in housing areas, agreed rezoning in Jidhafs and Tubli, and cleared the use of treated wastewater for planting on Sitra Island.

Debate on the parking plan, tabled by Dr Wafaa Ajur, focused on scope and safety.

The proposal seeks to reserve one-fifth of bays in public facilities and shopping centres and to signpost them in pink, drawing on examples abroad.

Supply

Views diverged: some members cited rising numbers of women drivers and risks in dim car parks; others warned of knock-on effects for older drivers or questioned the need given current supply.

Suggestions included testing a lower share or running a pilot.

Director-General Mohammed Al Sahli noted that parking control lies with Roads Affairs and said any scheme needs a more practical, selective design. The file returns to committee.

Amendments

On markets, the board approved amendments to the bylaw governing public, central and traditional markets. During discussion, Taradah pointed to the lack of set times for loading and unloading at Manama Market.

Mr Al Sahli said any dedicated loading bays depend on the detailed designs of each market.

On building rules, members backed adding Article 21 bis to Decree-Law No. 13 of 1977 to bar construction, demolition or excavation in residential areas at set times and on set days, with exceptions for emergencies.

Al Sahli said inspections of engineering offices are ongoing as directed, and that enforcing quiet hours rests with the police.