Dubai Municipality has fined over 1800 residents and motorists for littering in public places during the first half of the year, an official said.

Disposing waste or cigarette butts in Dubai's general roads and spitting in public attracts a fine of Dh500.
While this year's littering fines amounted to over Dh900,000, the Waste Management Department slapped another 140 residents with a Dh500 when caught spitting on public roads. Spitting gum remaining and its wastes can attract up to Dh1,000.

Abdulmajeed Abdulaziz Saifaie, Director of the Waste Management Department at Dubai Municipality, said the rules aim to crackdown on litterbugs, spitters and other offenders who damage the appearance of Dubai.

While figures showed that the municipality has issued over 2,900 fines for littering in 2016, issuing 1,807 fines from January to July this year signals a reduction in violations according to Saifaie.

"Dubai is becoming a global city that receives people from different cultures around the world who are not yet fully aware of the emirate's rules and regulations. The decrease in number of fines shows increased awareness," said Saifaie.

He clarified that there are no separate fines for littering from a car or general littering. Both acts fall under violations that damage the city's appearance.

Besides inspectors from the department working across different shifts are authorized to fine violators, certified officials working inside and outside the municipality also have the same authorization. Saifaie said this allows over 1,000 officials who see residents or motorists littering or spitting on public roads to fine them.

"Officials who meet specific criteria have access to a certified electronic system that allows them to take pictures of motorists who litter. Motorists receive the fine on their driving license shortly afterwards," noted Saifaie.

Passersby and residents seen littering are approached by inspectors and officials who issue the fine on their National ID or driving license.

Saifaie urged residents to avoid littering and to ensure protecting the environment. "More than just for avoiding fines, people should ensure the environment is clean and teach their children the same to avoid harming animals and sea creatures," he said.

Source: Khaleej Times