Smart Cameras Sought to Stop Yellow-Line Drivers
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
An urgent parliamentary proposal seeks to protect emergency lanes on Bahrain’s public roads and highways by using smart traffic systems to stop drivers crossing the yellow line during congestion.
The proposal, submitted by MP Dr Muneer Seroor, calls for modern technology, artificial intelligence and better road design to curb a practice he says puts lives at risk and slows ambulances, Civil Defence vehicles and security patrols heading to crashes and emergency calls.
Dr Seroor said some drivers treat the yellow-line lane as ‘an extra driving space’ when roads become crowded, rather than leaving it clear for emergency use.
He said the problem has persisted despite traffic fines, meaning the response should move beyond ordinary penalties.
The proposal argues that the yellow line on highways is more than a road marking, describing it as ‘a lifeline’ for ambulances and Civil Defence crews.
“Any obstruction may delay the response in critical moments, when human life is measured in minutes and seconds,” Dr Seroor said.
Ambulance Calls Hit 4,498 in March
The Interior Ministry operations room received 1,506 reports in March, while National Ambulance answered 4,498 calls and Civil Defence dealt with 1,674 reports, according to ministry figures.
Emergency patrols handled 24% of traffic cases and 70% of response reports.
Security cases made up the remaining 6%.
National Ambulance took the largest share of calls among the services listed. These included 3,313 cases of illness, 323 road accidents, 538 transfers from private hospitals and health centres to emergency departments, 37 fire-related cases and 287 other incidents.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence received 523 requests for help, 232 fire reports, 79 road accident reports and 88 reports involving fallen trees, poles and signs.
The Coast Guard Command received 32 reports linked to accidents and rescue work. These included 12 accident and rescue calls, 11 marine incidents and six requests for help.
Reports sent through the MyGov app reached 1,906 in March. Cybercrime reports formed the largest group, with 892 cases, followed by 673 reports to general directorates and 303 to the Anti-Economic Crimes Directorate.
The app also received 21 reports for the Child Protection in Cyberspace Unit, 12 for the Anti-Corruption Crimes Directorate and five for the Search and Follow-up Directorate and Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs.
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