Abu Dhabi seizes over 1,200 abandoned vehicles in 2016

Abu Dhabi Municipality seized a total of 1,233 abandoned vehicles last year, it has said.

The civic body launched 6,687 inspection campaigns and issued over 4,929 warnings with regarding to abandoned vehicles in the emirate.

The move to remove the abandoned vehicles is aimed to keep the city clean, improve the general outlook and enhance safety and security.

The municipality said all notifications affixed on abandoned vehicles are followed up with owners who are asked to remove or clean their vehicles before they are towed away to its impounding facility in Al Wathba.

New amendments to the 2012 regulation governing appearance, health and public tranquillity has cut the grace period to three days instead of 14 days after which inspectors notify the car towing company to remove the vehicles.

The law applies also applies to trailers and boats.

While the fine amount is $818 (AED3,000), the municipality offers a 50 percent discount to first-time offenders. The fine is doubled and daily impounding fees are applied for repeated violations, the civic body said.