Abu Dhabi Municipality fines 175 abandoned cars

Civic authorities in Abu Dhabi has fined more than 170 owners who abandoned their cars in public squares of the capital.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality said on Sunday that it has issued 175 offence tickets and served several warnings to owners of unattended vehicles parked in public squares. Officials said the cars distort the urban appearance of the city.

The move was part of an extensive 3-day campaign organised by the municipality and covering several areas in Abu Dhabi city.

This campaign was part of a year-round inspection program made to combat the phenomenon of vehicles left in some residential neighbourhoods and public areas.

The campaign also reflects the keenness of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport - Abu Dhabi City Municipality to maintain the urban appearance and address environmental concerns in the city.

It was also intended to rid the city of eyesores caused by abandoned vehicles, which have become a public nuisance due to the accumulation of dust, and elements disfiguring streets and cities. It warrants taking legal actions as stipulated for in the law governing the urban appearance of the city.

During the campaign, the Municipality was keen to educate the public about the importance of cleaning cars and avoiding leaving them unattended in public places and parking lots for extended periods.

Vehicles found parked in unauthorised areas, without registration numbers or those abandoned by owners for a long time are being confiscated.

The owner of such a vehicle has to report to the municipality with documents to prove his ownership and then pay a fine of Dh3000 to get it released.

According to the municipality's newly amended law, municipal inspectors first monitor and follow up an abandoned car for 3 days instead of 14 days as it was the case earlier, and then on the 3rd day, a notice is affixed to the vehicle, warning that the vehicle will be towed away within 24 hours.

Source: Khaleej Times