Remove abandoned cars in Abu Dhabi or face legal action, motorists told

Authorities say vehicles have been left in car parks and are a blight on the appearance of the city

A car abandoned opposite the Park Rotana hotel in Abu Dhabi is towed away. Victor Besa / The National

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have told motorists to remove abandoned vehicles from public areas or face legal action, including having them sold at auction.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) on Wednesday said it would act after identifying abandoned cars – and those illegally parked – in Abu Dhabi city's multi-storey car parks and Mussaffah's M18 parking area.

It is believed many of the vehicles, parked for more than a month, have not been registered and parking fees have not been paid.

The ITC - the emirate's public transport and parking regulator - told the owners to rectify the situation.

"Neglecting to do so might lead to [the] ITC taking any necessary legal actions," it said.

Authorities also cautioned motorists against blocking other vehicles in car parks. Owners could face seeing their cars sold at auction if they did not comply with the rules.