PROPOSED amendments to a 30-year-old law governing the occupation of public roads have received unanimous approval from the Capital Trustees Board.
The draft bill authorises municipalities to immediately remove unlicensed occupations that pose risks to public safety, disrupt traffic flow, undermine public order, or detract from the city’s appearance. Fines for violations range between BD500 and BD2,000, with an option for violators to settle administratively by paying a fraction of the maximum fine, thereby avoiding lengthy court procedures.
Confiscated items can be auctioned if they are not reclaimed after the payment of fines and expenses.
Under the proposal, no individual or entity may occupy a public road – horizontally or vertically – without a licence from the municipal authority concerned.
The list of regulated activities has been significantly expanded to include scaffolding and cranes over road airspace, construction containers outside property limits, temporary sales carts, seasonal kiosks, media platforms, decorations for events and even temporary carports.
The draft bill, referred with urgency by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, amends Decree-Law No (2) of 1996 Concerning Road Occupancy to modernise definitions, tighten licensing controls and introduce a clearer system of fees, enforcement and appeals.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the changes were ‘long overdue’.
From left, Mr Tarradah, Capital Trustees Authority (Municipality) director-general Alya Yousif and the board’s services and public utilities committee chairman Mohammed Tawfeeq Al Shaikh
“This law dates back three decades before today’s urban realities, construction practices and commercial activities existed in their current form,” he said. “The amendments provide clarity on what constitutes road occupation, introduce modern categories such as electric vehicle charging stations, temporary kiosks, mobile platforms and event spaces, and most importantly, establish firm enforcement tools to protect public safety and city aesthetics.”
Another notable addition formalises an appeal mechanism. Applicants can challenge municipal decisions before a ministerial committee within 30 days, and subsequently before the High Civil Court.
Vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said the amendments strike a balance between regulation and flexibility.
Dr Al Qattan, right, and Ms Sultan at the meeting
“This is not about restricting businesses or community initiatives,” she said.
“It is about organising them. The draft also allows the concerned minister to exempt certain historic or commercial areas from some provisions for local or heritage reasons, which gives room for flexibility where needed.”
The proposal has also recommended introducing a 15-working-day deadline for municipalities to respond to licence applications. If no response is issued within that period, the application will be deemed rejected – a move that, trustees said, would prevent applications from remaining in limbo.
Financial, administrative and legislative committee chairwoman Huda Sultan highlighted the new financial and enforcement framework.
“The minister, with Cabinet approval, will now set inspection, occupancy and deposit fees based on the type and grade of the road,” she said. “Deposits will be used to restore sites to their original condition if damage occurs, ensuring public property is protected.”
Ms Sultan pointed out that the proposed law would also regulate occupation of private property where it affects public space, subject to implementing regulations.
The board’s approval now means the draft will be sent to the Northern, Muharraq and Southern municipal councils for comments within a month, as part of the 2026 Municipal Legislative Plan.
“This is about protecting roads, organising public space and keeping pace with modern urban life,” Ms Sultan added. “It is a necessary legislative upgrade for today’s Bahrain.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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