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Over 6k abandoned vehicles seized in Sharjah in 8 months

Sharjah - Municipality also warned 14,924 vehicle owners and issued fines to 9,226 vehicles for various violations.

A total of 6,320 abandoned vehicles were confiscated during the first eight months of this year, as the Sharjah Municipality (SM) combed through the emirate to get rid of dirty cars. 
Saeed Bu Rahaima, director of inspection operations at the Sharjah Municipality, said that the inspection campaigns have been carried out as part of the municipality's keenness to prevent distortions to the aesthetic beauty of the city and to monitor all negative phenomena in the emirate. The municipality towed away the abandoned vehicles that were covered with dust and dirt.
He pointed out that the number of vehicles in the municipality's confiscation areas amounted to about 8,000 light and heavy vehicles, including 500 vehicles wanted by the police. The municipality had recently auctioned 4,800 vehicles that completed more than six months in confiscation, the owners of which didn't turn up to pay fine to recover them. The municipality also warned 14,924 vehicle owners and issued fines to 9,226 vehicles for various violations.
He stressed that the municipality never confiscates the vehicles without prior notice.
"We place warning stickers on vehicles before impounding them and give a grace period to remove them from their location. The warnings are placed on the cars for a period of 24 to 72 hours before being confiscated, depending on the location of the vehicle and the nature of the area where it is parked," he added.
Bu Rahaima explained that the confiscated vehicles include cars left on public streets and residential areas for a long period, vehicles left without number plates in public places, vehicles on display for sale in non-designated areas and those left after accidents. "Vehicles without number plates and those on display for sale will immediately be confiscated without notice or warnings," he added.
He pointed out that a fine of Dh1,000 would be levied on vehicles that are parked in unauthorised areas and Dh500 for cars found distorting the image of the city. "The fines will be doubled for repeated offences, and in case of failing to pay the fines on time, an additional fee of Dh150 will be added during the first month and Dh50 for every next month," he said.
The municipality will continue its inspections to curb such negative practices, he said, adding that the civic body is also working on raising awareness among the public through social media and various means.
He urged vehicle owners whose cars have been impounded to approach the customer service centre of the municipality in the Sharjah Industrial Area 5 with documents - Emirates ID, car registration card and violation ticket - and pay the fine.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com