Abu Dhabi Municipality conducted 6,687 inspection campaigns in 2016 to eliminate the recurring trend of abandoning vehicles. The inspections are carried out in all the areas of Abu Dhabi falling under the jurisdiction of municipality. Last year, 1,200 forsaken vehicles were impounded, 102 fines were charged and 5,000 warnings were sent out. Municipality campaigns are aimed toward taking all possible measures to reduce abandoned vehicles that disfigure the town’s environment.
The inspections are continued in various sectors of the city including Bani Yas West, Bani Yas East, Shamkha, Al Fallah, Al Sadr, Shakhbout City, Bahia, Shalila, Samha, Shahama, Shawamekh, Rahba and Musaffah Industrial Area. The offender is charged Dh 3,000 as per Law no.2 for 2012. 50% of the fine is compromised if the offender reports to the municipality. But upon repetition of the same offense, the charges are doubled. Apart from that, daily impounding fee is applied which depends on the type of vehicle and the area where annexation of the vehicle took place.
The new policy issues 3-day warning instead of 14 days after which the vehicle is towed away to Al Wathba, where government takes its possession. This law applies to all sorts of abandoned vehicles including boats and trailers. These inspection campaigns are an exposition of municipality’s consideration to protect the city, enhance the environment and create awareness for others to do the same.