1,628 abandoned cars seized, 350 markets razed in UAE

UAE - Over 1,628 abandoned vehicles were towed off Sharjah streets during the first half of 2020, the emirate's municipality revealed on Tuesday. The civic body also razed 350 pop-up markets, seizing 36 tonnes of goods, during this period.

Taking to Instagram, the municipality said it conducted the raids in coordination with the Sharjah Environment Company Bee'ah.

The civic body teams up with the police to confiscate vehicles left out in public spaces for long periods of time. Officials had earlier told Khaleej Times that some abandoned vehicles have in the past been used for illegal activities and committing crimes.

The municipality conducted about 13,000 inspection visits and 173 awareness campaigns during the first six months of the year. The aim was to "crack down on violations related to public appearance distortion and to eliminate any negative behaviours in the city".

"The inspection visits come in line with the municipality's keenness to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the city and to provide a healthy environment for all residents and visitors," the Sharjah Municipality said.

In May, the municipality's director-general, Thabit Al Taraifi, said that a campaign had been launched to ensure residents don't use their balconies as storerooms. The civic body distributed booklets, brochures and pamphlets to residents to make them aware of the rules against hanging clothes, dumping discarded materials or installing satellite dishes on the balconies.