As thousands of people travel abroad for their annual summer vacation, Dubai Municipality has issued a new warning that people do not leave their vehicles unattended in public places for too long. Neglected vehicles will spoil the city's appearance, create safety concerns, and cause them financial fines, such as a Dh500 fine, towing and vehicle impoundment, officials say.
The municipality said abandoned or poorly maintained vehicles parked on roads, public parking areas, or open sandy plots affect Dubai's clean and organized urban environment. “As officials said, the emirate's high cleanliness is a shared responsibility between local authorities and residents,” the municipality said.
Five tips for residents leaving Dubai during summer.
Dubai Municipality also suggested five measures to help residents protect their vehicles when traveling abroad.
Park vehicles only in designated and secure areas. Do not leave cars in isolated or sandy areas. Always clean your car regularly before traveling. If the car is going to be left on the road and not used for a long time, then have protective covering of the vehicle to keep dust and weather from getting on it.
Consequently, in this way, we can prevent damage to cars and avoid additional penalties for unnecessary damage, the municipality said.
How Dubai handles abandoned vehicles?
Inspection teams are hired throughout the year to find vehicles that are left unattended in public areas.
If a vehicle is found to be abandoned, officials document the state and issue a warning notice. Depending on where and how it is located, owners have from three to 15 days to move or maintain the vehicle.
For vehicles registered in Dubai, owners also receive an SMS notification using records maintained by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
If no action is taken before the warning period expires, the municipality coordinates with Emirates Parking to tow the vehicle to the impound facility in Al Awir.
The vehicle owners will pay a Dh500 fine along with towing and storage charges. The total amount will be calculated according to the vehicle's size, weight, the length of impoundment, and whether specialized recovery equipment was required.
And these guidelines protect personal property and Dubai's internationally recognized urban environment, officials said.
Home Swimming Pool safety during summer
Along with warning motorists, Dubai Municipality also issued seven valuable safety recommendations for families using private swimming pools during the school holidays.
Parents are encouraged to keep up with children when they are in or near water during the summer break because many kids spend more time at home during the summer break, and, with parents warned to be in constant monitoring of the water, parents should watch the children. Parents were advised to avoid distractions such as mobile phones while watching swimmers as they are supervised.
Additional recommendations include:
When not in use, secure pools and put up appropriate safety barriers around them. Do not run, dive, or engage in rough play near the water. Keep pool equipment clean and maintain chemical treatment. Keep children away from drainage and suction outlets, which can be dangerous to children and could cause serious injury. If needed, have an emergency shut-off switch easily accessible.
The new measures are meant to decrease accidents and ensure that families enjoy a safe summer at home, Dubai Municipality said.
As the holiday season gets into full swing, the emirate’s residents are reminded that preventive measures - like protecting a parked vehicle or keeping kids away from swimming pools - can avoid costly penalties and allow for a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable summer around the emirate.
