Drive against parking space reservation evokes good response
Manama : Muharraq Governorate’s drive against illegal reservation of parking space has received good response from the public.
According to the municipality, vehicle owners have been blocking public roads using chains, iron roads and cement blocks to reserve spaces for vehicle parking, causing much inconvenience to the public.
Obstructions were removed at Shaikh Hamad Avenue near Muharraq old market, Abdulrahman Al Fadel Road, Shaikh Isa and Shaikh Abdulla Avenues during the drive against illegal reservation.
Shop owners were warned that they would be held legally accountable if obstacles were not removed within a stipulated time. Inspired by Muharraq Governorate’s action, representatives of other municipalities have too sought action against road obstruction and unauthorized reservation of public spaces by vehicle owners. “This is the right move against illegal parking reservation. We are in the process of proposing a similar action soon. The road in front of a shop is not a commercial property. It’s for public use,” said Mohammed Al Khaza’ee, Chairman, Manama General Secretariat.
“Many shops reserve these spaces for their customers. They use cans, buckets and other blockades to reserve spaces. We will take action against these kinds of illegal acts by removing them permanently. Imposing fine on the sponsor will be an effective method,” he added.
According to residents, illegal reservation of traffic space is mainly done by food outlets. The streets are often chocked by illegally parked cars. Reserving parking space for potential customers creates havoc.
Food outlets, which serve grilled items, are always busy during nights. “Chaos created by these shops are terrible,” said Valerie Saturnina, who lives in Gudaibiya. “They sometimes use sandwich boards to block the space. If they find a parked car, which is not their customer’s, they ask us to remove it. I do not think they are supposed to do that,” she said.
“Illegal parking reservation is a problem in Bahrain, especially in places like Manama, Muharraq, and Riffa. The number of cars per family is higher in Bahrain which is a major reason for traffic chaos,” said Ahmed Al Ansari, Southern Area Municipal Council Chairman.
“Many prefer to park their cars in front of their shops. So, the shop owners install iron rods and lock them with chains, which is illegal. We are seriously looking at how to resolve this. May be we can convert some of our un-used land into car parks,” he said.
Manama General Secretariat chairman Mohammed Al Khaza’ee and Southern Area Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Ansari.
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