RAK Police impound 24 motorbikes in three days

ras al Khaimah – The Ras Al Khaimah Police, after intensifying inspection campaigns across the emirate to boost public safety and security, impounded 24 motorbikes in the first three days of Ramadan.

Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Mattar, chief of the Al Rams Police Station, said the seized bikes were part of the ‘Watching Eye’ initiative to better traffic control on the emirate’s roads.

“These motorbikes were involved in traffic violations and serious road accidents,” he said. “Staff inspectors have managed to impound 24 erring motorbikes in the first three days of Ramadan.”

More inspections will be launched to totally clamp down the negative phenomenon, he warned. “All motorbikers here must thoroughly observe traffic rules and make sure that their bikes are licensed.”

Many of the motorbikes seized were ridden by workers with outlets here, he said. “These were not not even registered motorbikes, and the riders did not have licences to ride bikes either.”

He highlighted the case of the 19-year-old Emirati who succumbed to fatal injuries after the motorbike he was riding at a high speed turned over several times last month. Official records show that the RAK Police, in April this year, impounded 337 motorbikes in two weeks.

Colonel Ali Saeed Al Alkeem, director of the traffic and patrols department with RAK Police, said the bikes were seized for mostly being ridden at night, speeding through city streets and thoroughfares, and disturbing the neighbourhood with their loud noise. The police have launched several campaigns to develop the traffic awareness the negative impact of traffic accidents and speeding.

No vehicle shall be released before full payment of fines. As per the federal traffic law, driving a vehicle on a public road without a number plate draws a fine of Dh1,000, along with 24 demerit black points, he warned. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com