About 100 vehicles found abandoned on the streets in Abu Dhabi have been impounded and their owners would be fined.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality said on Saturday that it has carried out a widespread campaign to tackle the practice of abandoning vehicles and machinery in public places and residential districts for prolonged periods - without caring for their cleanliness.

The campaign was run in line with the strategy and plans of the municipality aimed at curbing all elements that sully the city's image.

During the drive, which targeted Al Mafraq industrial area, 100 vehicles and machinery were confiscated and towed to the impounding yard for leaving them abandoned for a long period of time. As many as 150 warnings have been issued to vehicle owners.

The campaign also reflects the keenness of the department of municipal affairs and transport - Abu Dhabi City Municipality - to maintain the urban appearance and address environmental concerns in the city.
It was intended to rid the city of eyesores caused by abandoned vehicles, which have become a public nuisance. It warrants taking legal action as stipulated for in the law governing the urban appearance of the city.

During the campaign, the municipality was keen to educate the public about the importance of cleaning cars and avoiding leaving them unattended in public places and parking lots for extended periods.

Vehicles found parked in unauthorised areas without registration numbers or those abandoned by owners for a long time are being confiscated. The owner of such a vehicle has to report to the municipality with documents to prove his ownership and then pay a fine of Dh3,000 to get it released.

According to the municipality's newly amended law, municipal inspectors first monitor and follow up an abandoned car for 3 days instead of 14 days as it was the case earlier. On the third day, a notice is affixed to the vehicle, warning that it will be towed away within 24 hours.

Source: Khaleej Times