Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Traffic Council, chaired the council's meeting. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, and Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning were present.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah highlighted the need to continue efforts to enhance road safety for all road users. He commended the decree-law amending provisions of the Traffic Law, which tightened penalties following the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to protect lives and property and modernise the legislative framework. He highlighted that this vision is supported by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance public safety and reduce traffic accidents.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah commended the positive impact of the decree-law's implementation, reflected in strong public awareness and active engagement. The council reviewed the implementation measures of the decree, which came into force on August 22, amending 12 articles and adding four new ones. The General Directorate of Traffic presented a briefing on the measures taken, including the deployment of smart traffic systems to detect and track violations, intensification of field enforcement through security and civil patrols, and the conduct of awareness campaigns to ensure effective application and improved compliance.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah affirmed that updating and tightening legislative systems related to traffic is a continuous process, aligned with developments in road safety, to build and reinforce a traffic culture that prioritises the preservation of lives and protection of property.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the new academic year, with over 50,000 students expected to be transported by 700 buses. The Education Ministry coordinated with the General Directorate of Traffic to address potential congestion and organised awareness workshops for bus drivers before the start of the school year. Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah emphasised the importance of continually improving school transportation services to safeguard students and promote public safety.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Beyon, signed an agreement between the Interior Ministry and Beyon.
Under the agreement, the General Directorate of Traffic will be equipped with 500 high-quality smart cameras, featuring advanced technologies that are capable of detecting various traffic violations. The system will enhance traffic control, provide an integrated monitoring framework, strengthen compliance, and modernise the overall traffic system.