Stepping up its inspection drive to boost public safety and security, the Ras Al Khaimah police have impounded 24 motorbikes in the first three days of the holy month of Ramadan.

Lt-Col Ibrahim Mattar, Chief of the Al Rams Police Station, said the seizure of motorbikes was part of the 'Watching Eye' initiative to regulate traffic on the roads of the emirate.

"These motorbikes were involved in traffic violations and serious road accidents," he said.

More inspections will be launched to crack down on the fallout of the unruly practice, he warned. "All motorbikers must thoroughly observe traffic rules and regulations and make sure that their vehicles are licensed."

Workers with vehicle outlets here were found to be riding many of the motorbikes, he pointed out. "These were not licensed for riding motorbikes, and unregistered as well."

He said that a 19-year-old Emirati young man succumbed to injuries he received after the motorbike he was riding at a high speed turned over several times in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

RAK Police impounds 51 motorbikes in one day

Official records show that the Ras Al Khaimah Police, in April this year, confiscated 337 motorbikes in two weeks for flouting traffic rules.

Col Ali Saeed Al Alkeem, director of traffic and patrols department with RAK police, said most of the motorbikes seized were involved in speeding through city streets, while leaving behind deafening decibels.

"They disturb the peace, annoy thousands and often run in packs of young men. Most youths who rode them didn't even have a licence."

The RAK police have launched several campaigns to raise traffic awareness of drivers and parents about the negative impact of road accidents and speeding, he added.

"The traffic staff officers also paid visits to residential areas and gave valuable advice to the public to protect the life of road users and curb traffic accidents."

No vehicle shall be released before full payment of prescribed fines at the end of the confiscation period and only upon the approval of the technical committee concerned, he said.

As per the federal traffic law, driving a vehicle on the public road without a number plate draws a fine of Dh1,000, along with 24 demerit black points, he warned. "This is apart from the 60-day confiscation of the vehicle caught in the act."

Few weeks back, the RAK Municipality announced that it would auction many unclaimed impounded vehicles, some of which were not collected for 1-2 years.

"Owners of the seized vehicles have been given a grace period of one month, following which they will lose their vehicles forever, and can never claim them back as per law," said Munzir bin Shukr, Director General of the RAK Municipality.

Source: Khaleej Times