Bahrain’s tough new traffic law that came into force yesterday (February 8) will only be effective if it is properly enforced, according to motorists.

Speaking to the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication, at one of the country's most popular malls, shoppers said they were mostly in favour of the new law - but questioned if it would have the desired effect.

"I respect the move taken by the government but I don't think that it will help change the way people drive," said 36-year-old electrical engineer Bashar Fakhro.

"Instead of making people respect the law, it will instil fear in them and fear can cause more accidents because all people will care about now is not getting caught."

His friend Khaled Al Mahmood said he didn't mind the higher fines - but he was concerned that some drivers' reckless behaviour would continue.

"High fines can be the solution to stopping people's recklessness, but what really bothers me is that many people speed up to avoid being caught by the cameras at red lights," said the 23-year-old Bahrain Polytechnic student.

"Others stomp on the brake before the light turns red, which can also cause accidents.

"Either way, timed traffic signals would be the best solution to avoid this kind of thing from happening."

Under the new law, running a red light can result in a fine of up to BD500 ($1,315) and a six-month prison sentence - rising to three years in jail and a maximum BD3,000 fine if an injury is caused.

Businessman Hassan Ali agreed with Al Mahmood that timed traffic lights would be a good idea.

"Instead of imposing strict punishments on people who jump red lights, the government should have installed pre-timed traffic signals on the streets," said the 47-year-old Bahraini.

"I have to admit that the new law is much-needed now in Bahrain. But I disagree with some of the punishments such as the one for not wearing a seatbelt, because we all forget to do that at times.

"I also have to question whether there will be exceptions.

"How can I believe that all offenders, including wealthy people and high-level officials, will be punished like the rest of us when we've all seen that some offences are cancelled with a single phone call?"

Meanwhile, retired Gulf Air cabin crew member Adel Marhoon said the law was sorely needed as "lacking responsibility is part of our culture".

"In the past, fines were easily paid as they ranged between BD5 to BD10 most of the time," said the 55-year-old Bahraini.

"But I bet everyone noticed how excellent people drove today - they were using hands-free sets and driving under the speed limit.

"Some men tried to act smart by hiding their mobile phones under their ghutra, but in general, people will drive better now because they can't afford to pay these higher fines.

"I just hope that the government deploys more policemen to monitor the violations.

"Stricter punishment should also be imposed on officers breaking the rules because people don't want to be disappointed by the people they look up to."

Using your phone while driving now carries a fine of up to BD500, as does exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 per cent.

Speedsters could also be jailed for up to six months, rising to three years and a BD1,000 fine if it results in an injury or damage to property. - TradeArabia News Service