Bahrain outlaws labour transport in open trucks

Manama: Drivers who transport labourers in open trucks will face six months in prison and a 100 Bahraini dinar (Dh974) fine, according to new traffic regulations.

The law will take effect on January 1, and pledges have been made that there will be a zero tolerance policy towards offenders, traffic officials said at a press conference.

"The decision to ban the transport of labourers in open trucks is final and is the result of careful studies and consultations between the labour and interior ministries," Khalid Al Dossary, the head of licensing at the traffic directorate, said.

"The aim is to put an end to the unfortunate accidents that have caused several deaths and injuries among labourers carried in the trucks."

Two labourers were killed and 221 were injured in accidents in 2006, while three died and 187 were injured in 2007, as they were being driven in open trucks. Among the drivers, mostly Asians, five died and 105 sustained injuries in 2006, with four killed and 117 injured in 2007.

"Drivers should refuse to take labourers in open trucks even when they are requested by the employers," Al Dossary said. "In that case, they should take the vehicle to the traffic authorities who will then summon the employer and investigate the issue with him. If found guilty, the employer will be sentenced to jail or to pay a fine. Labourers should also refuse to be carried in open trucks and should contact the police about the matter."

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As part of a national campaign to increase awareness among drivers and labourers, and to teach them how to exercise their rights, leaflets and posters in Arabic, English and Urdu will be distributed and short advertisements will be broadcasted via radio.

The ban was scheduled to start last year, but was deferred, under pressure from the powerful business community. Some argued that contractors did not have the logistics to transport hundreds of labourers to and from work sites in several areas of the country without using open trucks.

The aim is to put an end to the unfortunate accidents that have caused several deaths and injuries among labourers..."