More than 100 abandoned cars seized in UAE

More than 120 cars left abandoned on streets, public squares and other open areas of Shahama and Falah have been seized by civic authorities over the past seven months of 2017.

The Abu Dhabi Municipality also removed 200 shades installed by illegal vendors and 50 unlicensed signboards that were found in various areas of Shamaha over the same period.

The violations were detected during inspection campaigns from January to July that targeted abandoned cars and other activities which affected the beauty of the city.The civic body said it impounded 127 vehicles abandoned at public car parks and open areas, and issued warnings to owners of other unattended vehicles classified as disfiguring the appearance of the city.

The vehicles, which included mostly light cars, had exhausted the legal grace period notified in posters affixed by inspectors to these vehicles in order for the concerned parties to take action towards redressing the status of such vehicles by transporting or cleaning them.

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

Saleh Al-Rumaithi, Al Falah Region Supervisor, said the owner of such a vehicle has to report to the municipality with documents to prove his ownership and then pay a fine of Dh3,000 to get it released.

According to the municipality, municipal inspectors first monitor and follow up an abandoned car for 14 days and then on the 14th day, a notice is affixed to the vehicle, warning that the vehicle will be towed away within 24 hours.

Al Rumaith noted that campaigns for abandoned cars and cracking down on other illegal activities like street vendors and unlicensed signboards are carried out under Law No. 2/2012.

"The law provides for slapping a Dh1000 fine against peddlers and obliging them to sign an undertaking not to practice such activity without a license, after confiscating items found," he said.

The campaigns reflect the ongoing efforts of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) in Abu Dhabi aimed at maintaining the civilised appearance of the cities and removing all sorts of disfiguring elements.

They also echo the department's keenness on the health and safety of community members through ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and the environment relating to trading in commodities.

"The inspection campaigns also underlines the need to protect consumers against the risks of materials sold by street vendors and makeshift markets as per the applicable principles of the competent bodies," said the official.

Source: Khaleej Times