Littering on Bahrain's roads could carry fines of up to BD300 if ($791) a new draft law is passed by parliament.

The National Cleanliness Law was approved by the Capital Trustees Board yesterday (January 21), and includes tougher punishments for dumping waste, leaving animal faeces on the streets, and disposing of medical or hazardous substances in public, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

People who leave cars for sale in public spaces and construction material on streets will also be punished under the new law, which gives municipal officials judicial powers.

Under the existing law offenders are fined BD10, however, if the new rules are implemented then fines for minor offences will range between BD100 and BD300 and for serious offences will be between BD500 and BD1,000.

“Dumping and littering have become a habit for a number of people and it needs immediate action, especially with fines not matching offences,” said Capital Trustees Board chairman Mohammed Al Khozaae.

“The law as it stands is excellent and we have suggested modifications to ensure swifter implementation for municipal authorities and officials, while giving them more powers to take immediate action.”

Collection of fines will be monitored by the Capital Trustees Authority, the former Manama Municipality, and Bahrain's three other municipalities.

The minister concerned will have three months to prepare by-laws in co-ordination with municipal bodies.

Trustees' financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Ahmed Bin Hindi said the draft law details the offences thoroughly, but the by-laws would provide further explanation.

“Dumping and littering - whether on main roads or neighbourhoods, on pavements or alleys, at beaches or wasteland - are prohibited,” he said.

“Also, dumping anything that may obstruct traffic or prevent people from movement is illegal whether it is garden waste, construction waste, furniture, vehicles or any other materials.”

The draft law was originally proposed by parliament to replace existing legislation, which is 30 years old. - TradeArabia News Service