The recent decision issued by the concerned authorities to ban home delivery workers (those using two-wheelers) from plying on highways, motorways, ring roads and main roads has thrown the home delivery service, particularly the food delivery service in total disarray.
Although the delivery companies hastened to change their plans and methods of work to keep pace with the new situation, initial reports show negative repercussions on both the delivery companies and the restaurant sector.
Delivery companies sources told Al-Qabas the decision to prevent bikes from delivering orders came at a difficult time, because it takes a long time to adapt to the situation.
The sources added this decision will completely change the mode of work of delivery companies.
Moreover, these companies are unable to get driving licences for the delivery workers of both the companies and the restaurant sector due to the legalization of the process of granting them to expatriates.
The sources pointed out that the delivery companies have thousands of restaurants registered with them but the new decision put pressure on their work, and as a result they are unable to satisfy customers and has placed an increased burden on the delivery companies which have to change their road routes.
On the other hand, the sources confirmed that the issue of security and safety is one of the things that delivery companies care about and focus on, especially for motorcyclists.
They said the use of motorcycles is the fastest method to reach the customer in the world of delivery service.
In spite of ban on motorcycles road accidents will continue to occur at their normal rate.
The sources pointed out that small restaurants with one branch are considered the most affected by the decision, because they depend in their work on delivery to various regions of the country, and therefore this may lead to their closure.
The sources suggested that motorcyclists be allowed to ride in a specific lane, for example in the right lane only in specified main roads.
Following are the repercussions of the decision
• Motorcyclists will lose their jobs and have their driving licenses cancelled.
• Increased congestion on the roads as a result of the increase in the number of delivery cars and the number of people wishing to buy their own meals, since the restaurant will be unable to deliver to their homes.
• Disruption and confusion for restaurants to switch from bike to cars, which means hiring new staff who have driving licenses.
• Increasing the burden of the delivery companies and their work team, and redrawing the map of roads and networks for delivery operations.
• Closure of many small restaurants that do not have branches, as they are not able to deliver to areas beyond the area in which they are located.
• The inability to meet the demands of the local market in a short time.