Page 171 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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1954
Traffic Accidents. The total number of vehicles registered up to the end of 1954, was
3,379, over 17 per cent, more than the previous year. In spile of this increase there was a
slight decline in the number of road accidents. The total number of accidents reported was
138 compared with 142 during the preceding year.
There were nine fatal accidents, one less than last year. Six of these were pedestrians,
one was a girl aged about 3 years, the only child fatality. The others were all adult males.
The total number of pedestrians seriously injured was 21, this is five less than the previous year.
All the fatal accidents occurred during daylight, three at Muharraq, and four at Manama. In
one case a man jumped from a lorry while in motion and sustained injuries from which he died.
In another case a man was killed as a result of a vehicle overturning.
The general cause of accidents appears to be excessive speed, having regard to the condition
of the road, and failing to give signals or indistinct signals, especially with left-hand drive
vehicles. Very few accidents occur in the narrow roads of the Bazaar and Market areas where
speed is restricted.

Traffic Offences. A total of 135 traffic offences were prosecuted in both Courts, and fines
amounting to Rs. 11,491 were imposed. In seven cases offenders received prison sentences.
Five persons had their licences revoked, and 32 licences were suspended for various periods.

Public Conveyance Vehicles. The steady increase in the number of taxi-cabs was main­
tained during the year, the total now being 248, thirty-three more than last year. The increase
in the number of buses was five only.
Two bus stations at Manama and Muharraq are sufficient for the present, but taxi-cab
stands have become a problem, and the restricting of the number of taxi-cabs allowed to ply
for hire needs serious consideration. In some areas in Manama and Muharraq parking of
vehicles is forbidden but this tends to cause congestion in other places.

Driving Tests. During 1954, 1,803 driving tests were carried out, but the demand has
increased, and to cut down the usual three months waiting list, appointments are now made for
100 tests each week. This will bring in approximately Rs. 22,000/- per year.

Non-Traffic Offences. The Traffic Department dealt with 24 persons for other than
Traffic offences, which included 14 persons dealing in dangerous drugs (opium). The total
fines for this type of offence amounted to Rs. 57,500/-, and prison sentences ranging from 18
months to 5 years. One person was convicted of forgery, and several for using intoxicating
liquor. The total fines in both Courts for all types of offences amounted to Rs. 64,241/-.

Traffic Section Strength. The present strength of the Traffic Section is, 1 British Super­
intendent, 1 British Inspector, 1 Arab Inspector, 1 Arab Sub-Inspector, 3 N.C.O’s and 41 men.
This includes Inspector John McGuire who arrived from the United Kingdom on 6th December,
1954, for duty with the Traffic Department.

Traffic Department Transport. One Land Rover and nine motor cycles are allotted to
the Traffic Department.

Revenue. Cash receipts for 1954 totalled Rs. 110,169/-.