UAQ impounds 940 abandoned vehicles from public areas
umm al quwain — The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Umm Al Quwain has impounded up to 940 old, dirty and abandoned vehicles from the Old Industrial area.
These included 900 cars, and 40 trucks, trailers and heavy machinery, according to Mansur bin Sultan Al Kharji, DED director general. “The vehicles and heavy machinery impounded have long been deserted on the roads, private and public areas, and roundabouts here, distorting the scenic view of the emirate and hampering the development process.”
The vehicles were impounded in an intensive campaign organised by DED over the last two weeks, in collaboration with the UAQ police and private sector.
“Most of the vehicles impounded proved to have been left abandoned or unattended for months, posing a grave risk and securing a hideout for illegal practices in the old industrial area.”
Al Kharji added that the campaign has been instructed by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. “Some of the vehicles impounded have been left for years in the empty areas and in front of residential and commercial buildings,” Al Kharji said.
The vehicles and heavy machinery have been moved to a special impoundment yard of the department, he pointed out. “Owners shall only be able to get back their vehicles and machinery after paying the due fines.”
Should their owners fail to recover their vehicles or equipment within three months, they shall be sold in a public auction as per law. “Owners of these vehicles or machines need to shift them to the due places and never leave them unattended, so as not to tarnish the image of the emirate.”
Residents have, meanwhile voiced their concerns over these abandoned vehicles which have mostly turned into landfills and hideouts for illegal practices, and urged the authorities to take action and remove these ‘time bombs’.
“Some many vehicles have been intentionally abandoned by their owners on public roads, at residential areas, next to garages, and in front of houses and buildings,” said Ibrahim Abdulqader, an Egyptian resident.
Mohammed Salem, an Emirati national, said some of these were involved in accidents. “Some others have incurred heavy traffic fines, and their owners are unable or do not wish to pay them.”
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com