Abu Dhabi City Municipality Cracks Down on Abandoned Vehicles

Abu Dhabi City Municipality has clamped down on abandoned vehicles covered with dust and left in neighbourhoods and at the frontals of commercial outlets. The campaign covered Bani Yas, Shawamikh, Southern Wathba, Bani Yas West, New Wathba, Al Shamkha and Wathba North.

The campaign marks the strenuous efforts made by the Municipality to maintain the civilized appearance and the ideal image of the city, besides nurturing a sound environment that ensure all means of comfort and safety for all.

At the start of the campaign, and in order to avoid ticketing offenders, the municipal inspectors issued 70 warnings to the owners of the abandoned vehicles and gave them a grace period of three days to remove and clean their vehicles. Having exhausted the grace period given, 32 vehicles have been towed away to the impounding yard under the Law No 2 of 2012. A fine of AED 3,000 was imposed on each offender, but once the offender reports to the Municipality, a settlement is offered including the payment of 50% of the fine. If the offence recurs, the fine will be doubled and daily impounding fees will apply, depending on the type of vehicle, and the area from which the vehicle is removed.

The Municipality calls upon all community members to safeguard the general appearance of the city to the best interest of the community and the environment. The Municipality renewed its commitment to continue such awareness campaigns to sensitize the public about all eyesores marring the general outlook and undermining the environment. The civic body invited community members to support its efforts to foster an environment that provides health, safety and comfort and keep up the civilized view of Abu Dhabi in order to free the environment from all ugly & offensive scenes.

The Law No 2 of 2012 & its executive regulation, which governs appearance, health and public tranquility in the emirate, was amended where the grace period was cut to just 3 days instead of 14 after which the municipal inspector shall notify the car towing company to remove the vehicle for marring the general appearance due to the accumulation of dust & waste. The Law applies to all vehicles, trailers, boats and the like, all of which may be towed away to the impounding yard in Wathba and Mafraq Industrial Area.