MPs are set to take a decisive vote on a tough legislation to penalise people misusing emergency lanes, with jail time of no less than six months, a fine of between BD2,000 and BD6,000, or both, recommended for violators.
The proposal to amend the 2014 Traffic Law has been submitted by five legislators led by Abdulla Al Romaihi, who claims that the move, if implemented, would improve road safety and ensure smooth emergency response operations across the country.
Mr Al Romaihi
It was debated at the end of October last year with several MPs backing the plan.
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has, however, recommended rejection of the proposal, even with amendments that the tough action should only apply when a fatality is registered.
Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Legislative Authority Affairs Rashid Bunajma told the committee that current punishments were enough to force people to abide by traffic rules.
“The current law is more comprehensive and addresses misusing emergency lanes with the proposed amendment being vague, unclear and harsh,” he explained.
“Also the punishment imposed for the offence in the event of a fatality, would it cover one dead person or many? What if it is a manslaughter case, a driver could lose control and get off the road and accidentally kill someone.
“Punishments follow a gradual enforcement pattern, this clearly doesn’t.”
Meanwhile, Mr Al Romaihi defended his stance saying that emergency lanes, also known as hard shoulders designated specifically for ambulances, police vehicles and motorists in urgent need of assistance, are often misused by drivers attempting to avoid traffic congestion.
“This behaviour endangers road safety,” he said.
“The lanes are intended to facilitate quick access for ambulances and civil defence personnel during critical incidents. They are also used by motorists facing breakdowns, medical emergencies, or other situations that require immediate assistance.
“When other drivers occupy these lanes illegally, they not only obstruct emergency responders but also create a risk of accidents when merging back into traffic, potentially causing further congestion.”
The MP said the new penalties would act as a deterrent and ‘send a strong message’ to the public about the seriousness of the violation.
“By imposing substantial fines, authorities can reduce the number of violations, ensuring that hard shoulders remain available for their intended use,” he said.
“This will also facilitate faster response times for ambulances, police and fire services, potentially saving lives in critical situations.”
He pointed out that studies from other countries have shown that stricter penalties for violations often resulted in safer driving behaviour.
“GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have clamped down on emergency lane misuse,” he added.
He called on his colleagues and the authorities to consider the proposal, which he said would reveal the country’s proactive stance on traffic safety.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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