Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi motorists face Dh1,000 fine for dumping masks and gloves

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a reminder to residents not to litter the emirate

Police in Abu Dhabi have urged motorists not to throw masks and gloves out of car windows or risk fines. Victor Besa/The National

Police in Abu Dhabi have warned motorists who discard face masks and gloves from their cars risk hefty fines and points on their driving license.

Resident caught littering roads and streets with the protective equipment will incur a Dh1,000 penalty and will have six points added to their driving records.

The punishments are in line with existing regulations regarding waste being dumped from vehicles.

The country has witnessed a surge in sales of disposable face masks and gloves in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In Abu Dhabi, all members of the public are required to wear masks outside the home, with those failing to adhere to the measure risking a Dh3,000 fine.

Many supermarkets also require shoppers to don gloves when inside their premises.

Concerns have been raised across the globe over the environmental impact of a mountain of masks and gloves being dumped in public areas as well as in rivers and oceans.