RTA given power to impound vehicles to help tackle traffic offences in Dubai
Dubai transport authorities have secured new powers to tackle motorists who commit traffic offences.
The Roads and Transport Authority said yesterday it finalised an agreement to allow it to tow and impound vehicles in breach of regulations.
Light and heavy vehicles, as well as trailers, food carts, boats and bicycles will be subject to the measures.
Dubai Police are typically responsible for impounding vehicles over traffic offences.
“Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has signed an agreement with Emirates Parkings entitling RTA to tow and impound light and heavy vehicles and trailers found in violation of federal and local rules and regulations,” the authority said. The agreement allows the authorities to remove vehicles, loaded or empty, that are found to be in breach of traffic regulations during “field monitoring”, it said.
No further details were provided about what traffic offences would now be the authority’s responsibility.
The deal sets out how the vehicle impounding process is to be managed and enables the authority to have access to all reports related to vehicles sized for traffic offences.
Under the agreement, the systems are to be linked to enhance the impounding system.
They will also be connected to traffic and electronic systems to enable information to be shared.
Emirates Parkings will manage impounding centres and is responsible for providing surveillance cameras and staff at the sites.
“The agreement sets out the process of releasing vehicles according to the circumstances of each vehicle,” the authority said.
“If the seizure was a result of a technical traffic violation, the vehicle will be released after the designated period and the fine is paid.
“In case of a technical traffic violation caused by a technical malfunction, the vehicle will not be released until the issue causing the impoundment has been resolved.
“The vehicle will be released after RTA receives all the outstanding fees associated with the impounded vehicle.
“The payment can be made through RTA-approved channels and the customers centre at Emirates Parking.”