ABU DHABI // Owners of unattended cars parked on streets for long periods will face a Dh1,000 fine and then their vehicles will be impounded, an official at the Integrated Transport Centre said.
The centre, in co-ordination with Abu Dhabi Municipality and Abu Dhabi, is cracking down on vehicles abandoned in car parks, outside villas and elsewhere and launched an awareness campaign on Sunday.
Mohammed Hamad Al Muhairi, deputy director of the Integrated Transport Centre and Mawaqif director, said it had started issuing notices to owners of unattended vehicles as part of efforts to improve the emirate’s appearance.
The target, he said, is to educate the public about the importance of curbing such “uncivilised” practices and for residents to obey the law, not to issue more fines or to generate revenue.
Notices placed on abandoned vehicles allow a grace period of three days for owners to remove or clean them. Owners of unattended vehicles are given 24-hour notice by the centre to remove them. The rules also apply to trailers and boats.
If no action is taken, the centre will impound the vehicle. A 25 per cent discount is offered to vehicle owners who pay the Dh1,000 fine within two weeks.
Previously, the municipality cracked down on unattended vehicles as part of its efforts to keep the city clean, improve its appearance, improve safety and security and reduce pollution.
Motorists who abandon vehicles face fines of Dh3,000, but once they report to the municipality, a settlement can be offered that includes payment of 50 per cent of the fine.
Earlier this month, the municipality said it fined 1,500 people and issued 86 warnings to owners for abandoning vehicles in public areas in Mussafah.
A total of 175 abandoned vehicles were issued fines and warnings as part of a three-day campaign held last month to keep the city clear of unattended and dirty vehicles.
Residents are paying hundreds of dirhams each month to have their cars washed while they are out of the country to avoid being them impounded for being too dusty, The National reported in October last year.
Motorists who pay Dh800 for an annual Mawaqif parking permit complained they are not exempt from the impound rule if their car gets dirty.
It costs between Dh3,600 and Dh7,200 per month to park at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
For about Dh300, cleaning firms will wash a car parked in a residential neighbourhood three times a month while the owner is abroad.
rruiz@thenational.ae