More than 170 owners who abandoned their cars have been fined by the civic authorities in Abu Dhabi. The move was part of an extensive three-day campaign organised by the municipality covering several areas in the Abu Dhabi city. The officials said that the cars distorted the urban appearance of the city.

During the campaign, the municipality aimed to educate the public about the importance of cleaning cars and avoiding leaving them unattended in public places and parking lots for extended periods. The Abu Dhabi Municipality said on Sunday that it issued 175 offence tickets and served several warnings to owners of unattended vehicles parked in public squares.

"The campaign reflected the keenness of the department of Municipal Affairs and Transport - Abu Dhabi City Municipality to maintain the urban appearance and address the environmental concerns in the city. It was also intended to rid the city of eyesores caused by abandoned vehicles, which have become a public nuisance due to the accumulation of dust, and elements disfiguring streets and cities," said the civic body in a statement.

It warranted taking legal actions as stipulated for in the law governing the urban appearance of the city.

The vehicles found parked in unauthorised areas, without registration numbers or those abandoned by owners for a long time are confiscated. The owner of such a vehicle has to report to the municipality with documents to prove his ownership and 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 three days instead of 14 days as was the case earlier, and then on the third day, a notice is affixed to the vehicle, warning that the vehicle would be towed away within 24 hours.

Source: Khaleej Times