Page 140 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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TRAFFIC SECTION
(Report by Inspector J. Hyde.)
During the year 1368, the strength of the Traffic Section engaged in the enforcement of Traffic
Regulations was considerably less than in the previous four years. In all, three British Police Officers
and three Arab Police Officers were engaged on this duty. Early in the year one British Police Officer
resigned and one was on U.K. leave for 3 months. One of the Arab Police Officers was permanently
employed on clerical duties in the Traffic Office.
In spite of the decrease in staff , and the fact that there were further increases in the number of motor
vehicles registered, there was no corresponding increase in the number of accidents. The number of
accidents reported for the year 1368 was the lowest since 1364. There was a considerable drop in the
number of accidents involving personal injury although there was an increase in fatalities. The number
of serious injuries also showed a slight increase over the previous two years. Contrary to previous years
it has not been possible to name any particular stretch of road as an accident “ black spot ”, as accidents
have not been confined to any particular area. With only three exceptions, convictions were obtained
in the twenty seven eases prosecuted as a result of accidents.
The standard of vehicles on the roads has gradually improved. During 1368, 28 vehicles were
scrapped as unsafe. The number of Public Service Vehicles, Buses and Taxis, has increased by 150
per cent and 50 per cent respectively and the control and parking of these vehicles is becoming a serious
problem. It is hoped that, in the near future, vehicles will be available to enable traffic officers to carry
out effective road patrols both day and night. The cash receipts show a slight decrease on the previous
year but this is more than balanced by Bahrain Petroleum Company’s registration fees which were not
received in time to be included in the 1368 accounts.
As was expected the Record Office was found to be of considerable use. It is hoped to gradually
enlarge and improve this department.
In addition to Traffic duties the Traffic Section investigated and prosecuted 61 Non-Traffic Offences
in 54 of which, convictions were obtained. 31 cases were dealt with by H.B.M.’s Agency Court the
remainder being brought before the Bahrain Court. In addition to terms of imprisonment, fines
amounting to Rs. 6,635 wcrc imposed.
By far the most prevalent offence is the unlawful possession and use of alcohol. In all, 25
prosecutions of this nature were undertaken. Only three cases of possession and use of dangerous drugs
arc included in this total. Seven cases of profiteering were brought before the courts and severely dealt
with. These convictions resulted in a reduction of the number of complaints of profiteering. Other
offences include, Cruelty to Animals, Criminal Assault, Attempt to Bribe, Forgery, Cheating, Breach of
Trust, Deportation of Undesirables and Unlawful Entry of Bahrain.
ACCIDENTS
Total number of accidents 120
Number of persons injured Damage to Vehicles.
Fatal .. 9 Serious 21
Serious 14 Slight 68
Slight 89
In two accidents the vehicles responsible were not traced.
REGISTRATIONS
1367 1368
Total number of registered vehicles 1,184 !.5l8
i> it ii vehicles exported 134 54
11 11 •• 11 ii imported 280 185
„ „ scrapped 28
•1 87
„ „ buses registered 60 148
ii ii taxis i, 108 141
„ j „ taxi lorries „ 48 54
„ driving tests 600
385
ii • „ „ pedal cycles 857 2.546